REASONS TO UNDERGO THIS PROCEDURE
Patients who suffer from trauma, tumor/s, stroke, or Bell’s palsy lose the ability to move one side or several areas of their face due to temporary or permanent nerve damage. As a result, they lose voluntary control of their face and end up with an unnatural facial expression. The social and emotional effects make the debilitating condition all the more devastating. This procedure will help improve functional and cosmetic deficits around the patient’s face and bring their confidence back. It also addresses the following issues:
- Uneven or drooping facial features
- Deformed or lopsided smile
- Involuntary eye closure and dryness
- Involuntary drooling
- Difficulty with eating and speaking
- Congenital facial palsy
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- More natural facial expression
- Restored or improved smile
- Facial symmetry
- Recovered or improved facial function
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Explanation of the procedure
- Discussion of the proposed surgical execution
- Answers to questions you may have about the procedure
FACIAL PARALYSIS PROCEDURE
Dynamic reconstruction is the execution plan for those who cannot regain function of certain parts of the face with therapy. Procedures for this category of facial paralysis surgery involve cross-facial nerve graft, which is done by carefully transplanting muscle into the paralyzed side of the face in order to reestablish voluntary facial movements.
The muscle transplant becomes successful by allowing healthy nerves from the non-paralyzed side of the face to gain control of the transplanted muscle. However, patients suffering from facial palsy that affects both sides of the face will require more specialized treatment than cross-facial nerve graft.
RECOVERY
If the patient had successful dynamic reconstruction or muscle transplantation, they’ll have bandages right after the procedure and will be asked to stay at the hospital for at least one day for monitoring. Successful reinnervation can be expected between 4 to 6 months, and optimum strength and control after about a year.
Expected down time is about 1-2 weeks for static reconstructive facial paralysis surgery and at least a month for dynamic reconstruction. They’ll usually be asked to take a leave from work for at least a week. Heavy stretching and contact sports must be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Sedgh will constantly be in touch for your post-op appointments, in person or via video conference in the next few months up to a year, for the assessment of your full recovery as well as follow-up dynamic surgery, if needed.
COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH
When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.