Facial Paralysis Treatments
Facial paralysis can result from various causes, such as trauma, infection, or congenital conditions. Fortunately, modern reconstructive techniques offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options to restore both function and facial symmetry. Depending on the severity and timing of the paralysis, different treatment strategies can be applied — from nerve transfers to aesthetic interventions.
Explore the facial paralysis treatment options below to learn more about the procedures and how they might help you or your loved one.
Nerve Transfer with Microsurgery
This procedure involves redirecting healthy, functioning nerves to reinnervate the paralyzed facial muscles. It's most effective when performed within a specific time frame after paralysis onset.
Facial Sling Surgery
Facial slings use grafts or synthetic materials to elevate drooping facial structures, providing static support and improving facial balance and symmetry.
Asymmetric Brow Lift
This aesthetic surgical technique lifts the drooping brow on the paralyzed side, creating a more harmonious and balanced upper facial contour.
Golden Eyelid Weight
Implanting a small gold weight in the upper eyelid helps patients with incomplete eye closure (lagophthalmos) protect their cornea and blink more effectively.
Bell's Palsy Treatment
Treatment options for Bell’s palsy range from corticosteroids to physical therapy and surgical interventions if recovery is incomplete.
Free Muscle Transfer
In chronic facial paralysis cases, a muscle (often from the thigh) is transplanted and reinnervated to restore smile function and dynamic movement.
Temporalis Tendon Transfer (MIT-3)
This technique repositions the temporalis muscle to recreate facial movement, often used when nerve grafts are not viable or failed.
Botulinum Toxin for Facial Paralysis
Botox can help relax overactive muscles on the non-paralyzed side and reduce synkinesis, creating a more symmetric facial appearance.
Eyelid Asymmetry
Specialized eyelid procedures aim to correct differences in eye appearance, restoring balance and improving eye protection.
Temporalis Muscle Flap
A rotated temporalis muscle flap can provide dynamic movement, especially for restoring smile or oral competence in long-term paralysis.
Cross Facial Nerve Graft
A cross facial nerve graft uses a donor nerve from the healthy side of the face to provide motor input to the paralyzed side.
Masseter Muscle Transfer
By connecting the masseter nerve to facial muscles, this approach can restore voluntary smile with strong and consistent muscle activation.
Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery
Reconstructive eyelid procedures help address functional and aesthetic concerns such as retraction, sagging, or incomplete closure.
Facial Rejuvenation Turkey
For patients seeking cosmetic improvement alongside functional repair, facial rejuvenation procedures can enhance symmetry and youthfulness.
Eyelid Retraction Surgery
This surgery corrects the downward pulling of the lower eyelid, commonly seen in facial paralysis, to improve eyelid position and appearance.
