Facial Palsy is a condition that refers to weakness of the facial muscles and is caused by temporary or permanent injury to the Facial Nerve

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Permanent Nerve Injury

Permanent nerve injury means that there is no chance of recovery of nerve function. Static facial reanimation surgery is aimed at suspending areas of the face to improve function and enhance facial symmetry. These procedures do not restore function

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These surgical procedures are aimed at improving the position of the eyebrow, upper and lower eyelid and corner of mouth, as well as improving eyelid closure

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Synkinesis

Synkinesis is the involuntary and unwanted contraction of a group of facial mucles during voluntary movement of a different group. For example, the eye blinks when smiling. This is caused by nerves reinnervation of muscles during regeneration in an aberrant way. Treatment can include Neuromuscular Training (Physiotherapy) or surgically with a Neuronectomy (cutting of the affected nerve)

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A temporary solution is to consider Neurotoxin into the affected muscles. This causes an interruption of the neural pathway which causes muscle contraction. The treatment may need to be repeated every 3-6 months.

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Facial Asymmetry

Patients who have a facial nerve injury from conditions including Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome , surgery or trauma can develop chronic facial paralysis. They may develop symptoms including synkinesis, facial asymmetry and neck tightness.

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A temporary solution is to consider Neurotoxin into the unaffected side. This causes an interruption of the neural pathway which causes muscle contraction. Treating spasm and tightness on the unaffected side may temporarily improve the appearance of the face by balancing the asymmetry. The treatment may need to be repeated every 3-6 months.

 

Dr Tan-Gore examine your particular concerns and will work with you to establish a realistic treatment plan as part of your comprehensive management