Los Angeles Facial Paralysis Correction | West Hollywood Nerve Damage Plastic Surgeon

Facial paralysis surgery is focused on restoring facial functions and reconstructing facial features after suffering facial palsy. It involves a number of different plastic surgery procedures for both dynamic and static reconstruction, including the use of facial fillers and metal implants, around the face and neck. It’s ideal for patients who wish to regain control of their facial features or have a more desirable facial appearance despite the condition.

REASONS TO UNDERGO THIS PROCEDURE

Patients who suffer from trauma, tumors, 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 unnatural facial expressions. The social and emotional effects make the debilitating condition all the more devastating. This reconstructive surgical procedure will help improve functional and cosmetic deficits around the patient’s face and regain their confidence. It also addresses the following issues:

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Facial paralysis surgery is one of the most complex cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with almost a decade of experience in facial reconstructive surgery, Dr. Jacob Sedgh is knowledgeable about facial aesthetics and anatomy.

He also has considerable expertise in the wide variety of surgical techniques, procedures, and therapies available for a successful facial reanimation. Below are some of the benefits you can expect after undergoing facial paralysis surgery with Dr. Sedgh:

GALLERY

Patients may need to have several consultations before undergoing facial paralysis surgery. During your initial consultation, your doctor will need to learn your medical history, examine your facial features and evaluate your condition. Dr. Sedgh has expertly treated many patients who have suffered facial nerve damage, so you can expect nothing but professionalism and to feel more at ease under his care. Dr. Sedgh will also interview you about your motivations and goals for the surgery. Other things you can expect from your first few appointments with him are as follows:

Patients living outside of Los Angeles or the US can have their consultations via video conference, at their convenience. Once the surgery has been scheduled, Dr. Sedgh’s friendly team can provide assistance in planning the logistics of your trip.

The Benefits of Choosing Dr. Sedgh

Dr. Sedgh stands out as a trusted authority in facial reconstructive surgery, offering unparalleled care. His extensive credentials include:

Double board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Advanced training at prestigious institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Nearly a decade of experience performing complex reconstructive surgeries.
A meticulous, personalized approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Under Dr. Sedgh’s expert care, patients can expect:

Improved facial symmetry
Restored smile function
Natural facial expressions
Reduced functional impairments
Boosted confidence and emotional well-being

FACIAL PARALYSIS PROCEDURE

On the day of the facial paralysis surgery, Dr. Sedgh will have already tailored the reconstructive surgical plan to fit the patient’s specific goals and degree of facial paralysis in order to yield the best cosmetic and functional results for a paralyzed face.

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.

For static reconstruction, Dr. Sedgh will perform a mix of different plastic surgery procedures and lifts to address issues on specific parts of the face. These may include the implantation of platinum chains or gold weights for the correction of the upper eyelids, tightening of the lower lids, cheek augmentation, forehead and brow lifts, temporary liquid facelifts (like Botox), the use of facial implants, and complex lip surgery to improve your smile and hold corners of the mouth in place. The surgery will require local or general anesthesia, depending on the target areas and number of procedures that will be performed on the same day. Dissolvable sutures will be used to minimize scarring.

RECOVERY

Patients who undergo static reconstruction for their facial paralysis surgery have significantly shorter recovery periods. Dressings may be applied to keep implants in place and/or help protect wounds while they recover. Those who undergo minor procedures might be allowed to head home just hours after the surgery.

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.

FAQ: Facial Paralysis Surgery

How long does facial paralysis surgery take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the procedures. Dynamic reconstruction may take several hours, while static procedures are typically shorter.

Will my results look natural?
Dr. Sedgh emphasizes natural-looking results that enhance both function and appearance, restoring facial symmetry and confidence.

Is the surgery painful?
Local or general anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free procedure. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients undergoing static procedures return to work within 1–2 weeks. For dynamic reconstruction, expect to take at least a month off.

Are there risks involved?
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized under Dr. Sedgh’s meticulous care and advanced expertise.

Facial Paralysis Surgery