Facial Paralysis

The facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) is responsible for the movement and control of muscle function in the face. Dysfunction of the nerve may result in facial paralysis (facial palsy). Usually occurring on just one side of the face this can cause numerous problems of the eye, skin and muscles. Specialised surgery aims at restoring both function and appearance.

There are a range of symptoms of lasting facial paralysis: for example, the forehead on the paralysed side of the face is unable to raise the eyebrow, causing descent of brow and soft-tissues (ptosis). Although the lid can open, it may have difficulty closing, leading to prolonged exposure of the eye (corneal dryness). The cheek and mouth may also droop, resulting in problems eating and drinking (oral incompetence) and the inability to smile on the affected side.

Depending on the extent and duration of the paralysis, a number of dynamic and static procedures may be employed to alleviate these problems.

Dynamic reconstruction / facial reanimation

In long-lasting facial paralysis (>18 months), muscles undergo atrophy due to lack of nerve stimuli and cannot regain function. In order to re-establish voluntary facial movements (a symmetric smile), viable muscle must be transplanted into the paralysed side of the face. This procedure known as “facial reanimation” or “dynamic reconstruction” detaches nerves and muscles from the leg/body, and reattaches them into the paralysed area. The procedure (performed in two stages) is designed to permit healthy nerves from the non-paralysed side to gain control over the transplanted muscles in the paralysed side (cross-facial nerve graft). In some cases facial palsy may affect both sides of the face (Moebius syndrome), which requires even further specialised treatment regimes.

Static reconstruction

A number of surgical procedures targeting specific problems such as tightening of the oral commissure, brow lifts and eyelid surgery (implantation of platinum chains or gold weights in upper eyelids and tightening of lower lid), offer temporary to long-lasting improvement, either as stand-alone procedures or in combination. The choice of procedure is complex and demands examination and discussion.

Candidates for facial palsy surgery

Dynamic procedures require young to middle aged patients in good health, who are motivated to undergo repeated surgeries and long facial re-education/rehabilitation. For a child with congenital facial palsy, the condition is best treated around the age of 5-6 years. Generally, early surgery is not necessary unless eye exposure is a problem, in which case surgery can be done at any age. Static procedures may offer instant improvement to most patients with facial palsy, regardless of age.