Cosmetic Treatments for Facial Paralysis

There are many causes of facial paralysis that can affect the form and function of the face. Neurological damage, which can happen with strokes and other brain injuries can cause facial paralysis, as can cranial nerve damage, Bell’s palsy and other health issues. Facial paralysis most commonly affects one side of the face and can be temporary or permanent. For those with facial paralysis, there are cosmetic treatment options that can help improve the aesthetics of the face and may help with function.

With facial paralysis, dozens of muscles of the face can be affected. This can limit muscle movement for the eyelids and mouth, both necessary for many facial functions. When the muscles are not responding, the eyelids may not open and close on demand; it is common for eyelids to droop, but not close. The muscles around the mouth can also droop – one corner of the mouth may sag. Not only are these functional problems frustrating, they can greatly impact the appearance of the face and the self-esteem of the patient.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Restoring a more balanced and symmetrical appearance to the face while improving function is key to facial paralysis cosmetic treatments. If the facial paralysis is expected to be temporary or to improve over time, there are non-surgical options that can help improve the appearance of the face during recovery, including Botox and facial filler injections. For permanent facial paralysis, options like lip, eyelid or brow lifts can create a more balanced appearance. There are also surgeries that can help reanimate the facial muscle using nerve and muscle transfers.

If you are living with facial paralysis, you have options to improve the function and form of your face. While cosmetic procedures cannot reverse facial paralysis, they can help make it less noticeable. Contact a local facial plastic surgeon that offers cosmetic treatments for facial paralysis to learn more.

Posted on behalf of:
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
310 East 14th Street
6th Floor, North Bldg
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 381-6110

Facial Paralysis

There are many different reasons that you may have facial paralysis.  Facial paralysis generally occurs after damage to the facial nerve.  When this nerve is damaged, your face may appear ‘uneven’ and you may not be able to express yourself in the ways that you want.  You may find that this makes you sad or angry, and is causing you to be depressed.  This is a very normal reaction to facial paralysis.

There are procedures to help correct this.  Depending on the cause of your facial paralysis, either dynamic or static facial reconstruction can be done.  Sometimes, a combination of both may be performed.

Dynamic procedures will help you become ‘reanimated’.  This means that you will have an even smile, or an even eyebrow lift when you are surprised.  Static procedures help keep your face even when you are at rest.  One of the most important considerations with facial paralysis is your eyes, eyesight, and eyelid.  Sometimes consultation with an eye surgeon is also necessary to help correct your facial paralysis.

It may take a long time after facial paralysis surgery to see results, and may require several different procedures.  Muscles may need to be moved from one part of the body to the face, to help achieve appropriate muscle movement.  Specialized exercises may be prescribed after the surgery to help aid in the healing, and you may need to wear a specially designed facial mask or eye shield, depending on the type of surgery.  Long term results are often very successful, and clients are happy with their overall results.  Many times, insurance companies will help cover a portion of facial paralysis corrective surgeries.

To see if you are a candidate for facial paralysis corrective surgery, contact your local facial plastic surgeon today.