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

Benefits of a Lip Lift

When you see candid pictures of yourself, do you tend to look like you are frowning or sad? As you age, your lips can begin to sag and droop, creating a perpetual sad or upset appearance. The lips can also lose volume, becoming less voluptuous and thinner. To rejuvenate your lips and facial appearance, a lip lift from a talented facial plastic surgeon can give you a more youthful smile.

Corner Lip Lift

One of the most common lip lifts for combatting aging is the corner lip lift. This is a fairly simple plastic surgery procedure that elevates the corners of the mouth. This can reduce the sad look or frown that occurs in some people as they age. This can often be performed under local anesthesia with a quick recovery and limited downtime.

Bullhorn or Subnasal Lip Lift

Another type of lip lift that is commonly performed is the subnasal lip lift, also referred to as the bullhorn lip lift. This procedure lifts the upper lip to give it more balance. A small incision is made between the base of the nostrils and the upper lip, tightening and raising the upper lip. This can make the upper lip appear to have more volume and naturally show more of the upper teeth. The subnasal lip lift can be performed on both younger and older patients that appear to have a longer or thin upper lip. It can also be combined with a corner lip lift if necessary.

Lip lifts offer a permanent solution to aging lips. If you are ready to explore rejuvenating your lips and smile, call your local facial plastic surgeon that specializes in lip lifts.

Posted on behalf of
Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery LLC
5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Northeast #910
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 936-6665

V to Y Lip Augmentation

If you have tried lip fillers and lip plumping and are not satisfied with the look, you may want to consider a V to Y lip lift.  This common lip enhancement procedure will help ‘fill out’ your lips permanently, and does not require any follow up injections or augmentation fills in the future.

A V to Y lip lift is a procedure that starts with two small incision lines.  These incisions are then the place that allows for the plumping to occur.  With a V to Y lip lift, part of your inner lip is actually ‘pulled’ out allowing the visible portion of the lip to look larger and fuller.  No fillers are used.  The result is a pouty, French smile, much like that of Angelina Jolie!

V to Y lip procedures are ideal for individuals who have smaller lips, or thin lips.  Also, as we all age, our lips lose their natural ‘plumpness’ and seem to fade into the background.  A V to Y lip procedure results in a great lip line, and terrific, kissable lips!

V to Y lip procedures take about two to three weeks to fully recover from, but once the initial mild bruising and swelling have receded, you will be left with permanently attractive lips!  At your initial consultation, the physician will review with you anticipated recovery time.  Other lip enhancement topics will also be covered, to make sure you are left with the best lips possible!

A great smile begins with great lips.  If you would like to increase your lip fullness, consult your local facial cosmetic surgeon.