Facial Paralysis / Face Lift / Eyelid Weights

Facial paralysis can come on suddenly (in the case of Bell’s palsy, for example) or happen gradually over a period of months (in the case of a head or neck tumour). Depending on the cause, the paralysis might last for a short or extended period of time.

Reconstructive plastic surgery may of help correcting eyelids that won’t fully close or a crooked smile.

Facial paralysis due to other causes may benefit from surgery to repair or replace damaged nerves or muscles, or to remove tumours. Small weights may also be surgically placed inside the upper eyelid to help it close.

Some people may experience uncontrolled muscle movements in addition to paralysis. Botox injections that freeze the muscles, as well as physical therapy, can help.

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For acute facial paralysis, the main surgical therapies are facial nerve decompression and facial nerve repair. For facial paralysis of intermediate duration, nerve transfer procedures are appropriate. For chronic facial paralysis, treatment typically requires regional or free muscle transfer.

The RPS surgeons perform various procedures that can be used for facial reanimation surgery, depending on the specific needs and circumstances for the individual. The options include static tissue repositioning, temporalis tendon transfer, nerve grafting, and partial neurectomy. The incision lines are closed very precisely with small sutures and are well-hidden in the natural folds of your facial anatomy.

Is there any risk with facial paralysis surgery?

All procedures involve a certain amount of risk and limitations. Although the risks of the facial reanimation procedures are relatively low, they do exist. Potential complications from surgery include and are not limited to bleeding, infection, pain, scar, difficulty ambulating (rare for this to be a long-term problem), numbness, failure to improve or worsening in facial weakness/symmetry, and flap failure.

How will my surgeon manage my post-operative care?

Your surgical team will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:

where you will go after your surgery
what medication you will be given or prescribed
what bandages and dressings you will need and when they’ll be removed
if you require stitches, when they’ll be removed
when you can get back to normal activity and exercise
when to book your follow-up care.

What can I expect in the first four weeks after surgery?

One week after surgery

You will come into the office for a post-operative check-up and to have sutures removed.
No alcohol for the first 7 days after surgery, which can increase bruising and swelling.

Two to four weeks after surgery

Your swelling and bruising will gradually fade over this time period, but it may persist for up to 3 weeks.
No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 2 full weeks after surgery.

What can I expect longer term after my surgery?

Rest and good nutrition are important healing factors, especially during the first 6 weeks.
2. Numbness and tingling of the incision areas may occur, which resolves with time.
3. The strength and control over the reconstructed smile continues to improve over several years. Over time, however, the brain has the potential to undergo a re-education process (cerebral adaptation) resulting in the production of a naturally occurring, effortless smile even in cases where nerves other than the facial nerve are utilized.

When can I expect to get back to work?

We recommend taking a full week off of work or school to adequately rest and recuperate from your procedure. We will see you in the clinic one week after your facial paralysis surgery to ensure everything is healing properly and to remove any sutures. Depending on your occupation, you may be feeling up to returning to work after that first week. You should expect to be taking it easy for the first two weeks after surgery; we recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a full two weeks. Avoid any rigorous exercise or contact sports for six full weeks after any facial reanimation operation

How will RPS manage my post-operative care?

Your RPS surgeon will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise: