Facial Paralysis Surgery

Facial paralysis surgery is often recommended for those with long-term or permanent paralysis. It can be beneficial for individuals who have undergone trauma, such as a car accident, or facial surgery, as well as those with conditions like Bell’s palsy or tumours. Jonathan will be able to assess your suitability when you have your consultation with him.

Jonathan will perform a complex assessment and initiate a decision-making process for the management of your condition during your first appointment. There will be a thorough examination to assess the extent of the paralysis, evaluate any underlying causes, and discuss your medical history. Additional tests may be required.  Jonathan will talk you through all the possible treatment options.

Most patients report experiencing minimal discomfort during the actual facial paralysis surgery itself, as it is performed under general anaesthetic After the surgery, patients may experience some pain or discomfort around the surgical site, but this can usually be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Jonathan will discuss the pain management and any potential risks of the surgery once he has assessed the severity of your condition, but in most cases the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks.

The length of the surgery can range from one hour to several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Immediately afterwards, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over time. The final results of the surgery may take several months or even two years to fully manifest, as the nerves and muscles need time to build function.

In some cases of facial paralysis, the muscles that control the movement of the brow may be affected, resulting in a drooping or heavy brow. In these cases, a brow lift may be recommended as part of the overall treatment plan. Supporting procedures such as platinum weight insertion to facilitate eye closure and canthopexy or canthoplasty to treat lower lid ectropion (a pulling down of the lower lid) may also be considered to address specific issues related to facial paralysis.

Botox plays an important role in restoring facial symmetry and treating abnormal facial movements, also known as synkinesis. It is used to relax overactive muscles that are causing unwanted movements in the face. By injecting Botox into specific facial muscles, the appearance of symmetry in the face at rest can be improved, giving you a more balanced and natural look. It effectively manages the involuntary muscle contractions that occur when attempting to perform certain facial movements.