What is Facial Paralysis? 

Facial paralysis is the inability of a single or both sides of a face’s muscles to function. Facial paralysis could be caused by disease, trauma, and congenital (existing at birth) diseases that cause nerve injury, including Bell’s palsy, stroke, and brain tumours.

Either side of the face may be affected, resulting in a pronounced drooping of the features with difficulties speaking, blinking, swallowing saliva, eating, and expressing oneself naturally using facial expressions.

Facial Paralysis Treatment

The face may experience temporary or permanent paralysis. Depending on the cause, the duration of the paralysis, and if it is total or partial, the facial plastic surgery team chooses the best course of action.

Facial Paralysis Surgery

Surgery for facial paralysis is also known as facial reanimation surgery. To restore motion to the lower half of the face, a facial plastic surgeon may use all or portions of muscles, nerves, or even both from other areas of the body.

Addressing facial paralysis is more than a cosmetic issue, particularly for children, given the significance of facial mobility in producing recognisable facial expressions or interacting with others.

Nerve Transfers

There is a window of opportunity after a facial nerve injury when sending another nerve to the region to reinnervate the facial muscles may be possible.

For instance, a branch of the facial nerve can be linked to one or even more releasing branches of the chewing nerve. This normally works if done quickly enough since the injury.

Plastic Surgeon for Facial Paralysis Consultation

Surgery to treat facial paralysis aims to restore the lower face to its ideal state of function and attractiveness. A person who has facial paralysis must consult with a skilled surgeon who has experience handling this issue. The doctor will think about:

• The underlying cause of the paralysis and also the affected facial areas

• The general physical and emotional well-being of the subject

• The type(s) of procedure(s) best suited to the individual

• The outcomes that the person anticipates and aspires to as a result of the process. 

Surgery for facial paralysis:

Care and Procedure

Surgery for muscle transplantation is performed as an inpatient just at the hospital. An average surgery lasts six to eight hours. After three to four days in the hospital, most patients are discharged.

The patient stays in intensive care for the first 24-hour period after surgery because the gracilis flap needs to be checked every hour for the first 24, every two hours during the next 24, and then every four hours.

Gracilis Muscle Transplant:

The patient will be given comprehensive instructions on caring for the drain at home if the surgeon places a drain within the area of the thigh where the gracilis muscle tissue was extracted. The surgeon will probably take out the drain and the sutures (stitches) when the patient returns for their first postoperative appointment just after surgery.

Two to three weeks after surgery, most patients return to work or school. The surgeon will advise patients to refrain from physically demanding activities like lifting.

After surgery, it will take some time until the function of the transplanted gracilis muscle allows you to grin again. Depending on the nerve option(s) selected, recovery will differ. Patients must keep their attention on their healing and keep an optimistic mindset.

Wrap up

For maximum healing, postoperative care is essential. It is crucial to follow the surgeon’s post recommendations carefully. Follow the surgeon’s advice and refrain from heavy lifting or physical activity; notify about facial reconstructive surgery  issue or unexpected change—scheduling follow-up visits for the day, week, and month following surgery. Now you have all the necessary information regarding facial paralysis.