The facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) is responsible for the movement and control of muscle function in the face Facial paralysis is the unfortunate end product of a large series of complex disorders. Causes may include acquired and congenital conditions.

Acquired facial paralysis is usually the result of the following:

• Traumatic injury
• Brain tumor or facial tumor removal
• Surgery for acoustic neuromas or other malformations
• Stroke
• Infection
• Bell’s Palsy

Congenital Facial Paralysis is usually the result of the following:

• Moebius Syndrome
• Craniofacial Microsomia
• C.H.A.R.G.E Syndrome

Innovative surgical techniques are now available to restore the paralyzed face. The goals of facial paralysis surgery include protecting the eye, preventing drooling and re-establishing facial symmetry both in motion and at rest.

The surgical approach is customized to the individual patient and is influenced by the cause and duration of the paralysis along with the condition of the facial nerve. The use of advanced surgical techniques carefully tailored to the individual can provide a meaningful recovery for many patients living with facial paralysis.

Our team of Facial Reconstructive Surgeons considers the following when diagnosing facial paralysis:

• The cause of the paralysis
• Degree or severity of paralysis
• Duration of symptoms
• Patient age
• General state of health

Each of these is important for creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

The following are some procedures performed by the surgical team to correct facial paralysis:

Static procedures

•  Fascial slings secure the position of the mouth and corner of the nose.
• Facelift for improved symmetry.
• Brow lift for correction of ptosis.
• Soft-tissue restoration by lipodermal grafts and fat grafting.
• Facial implants.
• Lip enhancement
• Botox for asymmetries, facial synkinesis and muscle spasms

Oculoplastic procedures

• Gold weights to improve eye closure
• Blepharoplasty , Lateral tarsorraphy, Canthopexy & Canthoplasty.
• Lower eyelid fascial sling.
• Treatment for atrophy and hollowness

Facial reanimation

First stage: cross-facial nerve graft. Second stage (6-9 months later): transplantation of muscle tissue (free functional muscle transfer) harvested from the pectoralis minor muscle, the gracilis muscle or the latissimus dorsi muscle.

For more information about this service please contact:

Mr Ricardo I Mohammed-Ali
Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Tel 01142717847

Mr. Aidan Fitzgerald
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Tel 01142712438

Combined Facial Palsy & Deformity clinics are held at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital on a Thursday