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

Are All Deep Plane Facelifts the Same?

One of the most effective procedures to combat aging in the face is a facelift, but results can vary depending on the surgeon and technique used. The old method of only lifting and elevating the skin is rarely used by top-rated facial plastic surgeons. The best results are often obtained through a deep plane facelift, yet even this technique varies from surgeon to surgeon. Not all deep plane facelifts are the same, and the results can depend on the exact method of deep plane lift the surgeon uses.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

In a deep plane facelift, the facial fat and muscles are moved and elevated, not just the skin. The “deep plane” refers to the muscles that are responsible for facial movement, below the top layer of tissue. The skin is elevated slightly, but the key is releasing this deep plane of muscles and ligaments to create the position of a youthful face. This is a very delicate procedure, completed to different levels depending on the expertise of the plastic surgeon.

When completed by an experienced facial surgeon that specializes in the most advanced techniques of deep plane facelifts, the results can be incredible. Not only can it reduce sagging and drooping in the jowls and lower face, it can impact the midface. This can reduce a sunken appearance under the eyes and restore a youthful shape to the cheeks without the need for implants or fat transfers. The results are more natural and can last longer, a desirable effect for those who do not want to look “fake” or like they had plastic surgery.

If you are considering a facelift and want natural, lasting results, consult a facial plastic surgeon that specializes in advanced deep plane facelifts for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery
120 South Spalding Drive #236
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 288-0641

Blepharoplasty Surgery

While not many people will immediately know what blepharoplasty surgery is, just about everyone is familiar with the term “eyelid lift”, which is the common name for this cosmetic surgical procedure.  One of the visible aspects of the aging process is the build up of fat and excess skin around the eyes, which gives people tired and sad appearance. This procedure, which is one of the most common of all cosmetic surgeries being performed in the United States, can provide dramatic results in reducing the first signs of aging! 

During the procedure, the highly trained cosmetic facial plastic surgeon will remove the excessive skin, which is know as dermatocholasis, as well as the excessive amount of fat, which is known as fat pseudoherniation, from the eyelids.  The procedure is relatively pain free and can be done either under either a local anesthesia or under sedation in either the Doctor’s office, a surgery center or a hospital operating room. 

During the procedure, which usually takes less than 2 hours, the surgeon will take care to make the incisions in the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelids, where the incision will be virtually invisible once healed. One of the things that the surgeon will be careful about is not to take too much fat out of the lower eyelids, because if the fat removal is too aggressive, a hollowed sunken appearance of the eyes will occur. 

Often the procedure can be combined with either a brow lift or another procedure, but the surgeon will make their recommendations during the initial consultation based upon their experience and training.  The best news is that the recovery from the procedure is 3-5 days! 

An initial consultation with a qualified surgeon is the first step in taking 10 years off of the appearance of your face!