Facial Palsy Surgery

Facial palsy is not only a medical condition but a challenge that deeply impacts self-esteem and social interaction. As a specialist in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, I have dedicated my career to providing personalized surgical solutions that restore facial symmetry and function. By combining advanced techniques and a holistic approach, I address multiple issues in single comprehensive operations to achieve optimal outcomes for my patients. Whether managing early facial paralysis, long-standing cases, or post-paralysis synkinesis, my goal is to improve your quality of life with precision, care, empathy, and innovation."

—--- Prof. Dr. Andreas Kehrer

Facial Palsy Surgery by Prof. Andreas Kehrer

  1. What is Facial Palsy Surgery?

Facial palsy surgery encompasses a range of specialized procedures aimed at restoring movement, symmetry, and aesthetics in individuals affected by facial nerve dysfunction. Whether caused by infection, trauma, disease, idiopathic or congenital conditions, each treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient.

  1. Key Objectives of Facial Palsy Surgery:
  • Restore Movement: Reanimate paralyzed facial muscles.
  • Improve Symmetry: Create balance between the affected and unaffected sides.
  • Enhance Quality of Life: Enable patients to regain confidence and emotional expression.
  1. Patient Groups and Customized Treatment Approaches

Prof. Kehrer addresses three key patient groups, offering tailored solutions for each:

  1. Early Cases of Facial Paralysis

For patients with recent onset of facial paralysis (up to 18 months), the focus is on nerve transfer procedures, such as:

  • Cross-Facial Nerve Grafts (CFNG): Transferring a nerve from the unaffected side to restore motor function.
  • Nerve Transfer: Redirecting a portion of a nerve that controls chewing (masseteric nerve) or tongue movements (hypoglossal nerve) to activate facial muscles and restore motion. This technique is often combined with static restoration.
  • Static Suspension: Providing long-term structural support to improve facial symmetry, particularly in areas where dynamic motion is not immediately possible. This technique is often combined with dynamic restoration procedures to achieve optimal balance between form and function.

 

  1. Long-Standing Facial Paralysis

In cases where paralysis has persisted for over 1-2 years, Prof. Kehrer employs advanced muscle transfer techniques, including:

  • Gracilis Muscle Transfer: Transplanting a muscle from the thigh to restore dynamic motion in the face. This technique is often combined with static restoration to enhance both function and aesthetics.
  • Temporalis Muscle Transfer: Redirecting the temporal muscle to improve smile dynamics and facial symmetry. This approach leverages the strength of a native facial muscle for natural-looking results.
  • Static Suspension: Providing structural support to enhance facial symmetry. This method is often paired with dynamic restoration to optimize both form and function.
  1. Post-Facial Paralysis Synkinesis

For patients experiencing synkinesis (involuntary movements during facial expressions), Prof. Kehrer offers:

  • Selective Neurectomies (Selective Neurolsysis): Surgical removal of specific nerve branches causing unwanted muscle contractions. Also in combination with partial muscle excisions to improve the smile and balance the face.
  • Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Used to relax overactive muscles and refine facial expressions with chemodenervation, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery.
  1. A Holistic Approach to Facial Palsy

Prof. Kehrer is renowned for his ability to address multiple challenges in single, comprehensive operations. This holistic approach allows him to:

  • Combine procedures, such as nerve transfers, muscle transfers, and static suspension, into one surgical session.
  • Simultaneously correct functional issues, enhance aesthetics, and alleviate synkinesis.
  • Minimize recovery time while maximizing results, ensuring a seamless and efficient treatment experience.
  1. What to Expect During Surgery
  2. Steps of the Procedure:
  1. Comprehensive Assessment: Diagnosis of paralysis type and evaluation of functional nerve activity.
  2. Surgical Planning: A holistic plan addressing all identified issues is developed.
  3. Surgical Intervention: Advanced techniques like nerve transfer, muscle transfer, or selective neurectomy are performed in one session when appropriate.
  4. Postoperative Care: Tailored therapies, including Botox if needed, support recovery and optimize outcomes.
  1. Recovery and Results
  2. Recovery Timeline:
  • 1-2 Weeks: Swelling and discomfort subside; follow-up consultations monitor progress.
  • 3-6 Months: Noticeable improvements in symmetry and movement begin to appear.
  • 12-18 Months: Full results from nerve and muscle transfers become evident as new nerve connections mature.
  1. Expected Results
  2. Long-Term Benefits:
  • Natural Aesthetics: Restored movement and symmetry create authentic facial expressions.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Patients regain their emotional and social confidence.
  • Durable Outcomes: Carefully planned surgeries yield results that last.
  1. Am I a Candidate for Facial Palsy Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have experienced recent or long-standing facial paralysis.
  • Struggle with involuntary facial movements (synkinesis).
  • Wish to improve symmetry, function, and quality of life.
  1. Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, risks include infection, nerve injury, or asymmetry. However, Prof. Kehrer’s expertise and holistic planning significantly minimize these risks, ensuring a safe and effective experience.

  1. Why Choose Prof. Kehrer for Facial Palsy Surgery?
  • Unparalleled Expertise: Years of experience in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
  • International Recognition: Trained at leading institutions worldwide with a reputation for excellence.
  • Innovative Techniques: Pioneering methods like selective neurectomies for synkinesis.
  • Holistic Care: Comprehensive operations addressing multiple issues in one session.
  • Individualized treatment plans: Tailored solutions for each patient’s unique needs, incorporating facial aesthetics.

Conclusion

Facial palsy surgery is a sophisticated process requiring superior technical skill, innovation, and empathy. Prof. Kehrer’s expertise and holistic approach make him a global leader in this field. By addressing multiple challenges in a single operation, he provides patients with life-changing results that restore function, symmetry, and confidence.

For more information also see my more comprehensive website: www.fazialis.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a selective neurectomy, and how does it help synkinesis?
A1: Selective neurectomy involves removing overactive nerve branches to reduce unwanted facial movements and improve symmetry.

Q2: Can Botox alone treat synkinesis?
A2: Botox can effectively relax hyperactive muscles, but surgical options like selective neurectomies provide longer-lasting results.

Q3: How does a holistic approach benefit patients?
A3: Combining multiple procedures in one operation minimizes recovery time, reduces the need for additional surgeries, and ensures optimal outcomes.

Q4: How soon will I see results after surgery?
A4: Initial improvements may be noticeable within weeks, but full results typically appear 12-18 months after nerve or muscle transfers.

 

For more information also see my more comprehensive website: www.fazialis.com

 

Do you want to know more?

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