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4th Nerve Palsy Surgery – What To Know

Dealing with double vision or a tilted head can be really frustrating. You might be experiencing symptoms of fourth nerve palsy, a condition affecting how your eyes work. While it can be concerning, there are ways to manage it, and sometimes, that includes surgery. Let’s break down what you need to know about fourth nerve […]

Bell’s Palsy Permanent Damage & Your Options

Waking up to find one side of your face drooping can be really scary. Bell’s Palsy often shows up without warning, leaving you feeling confused and worried about whether it might be permanent. This article looks at the chances of lasting Bell’s Palsy permanent damage and what your options are, whether you’re looking at recovery, […]

What Kind of Doctor Treats Facial Nerve Problems?

Dealing with facial nerve issues can be confusing and stressful. You may not know which type of doctor to see or where to start. Facial nerve problems affect not only how you look but also how you speak, blink, and express emotion. Finding the right specialist early on can make all the difference in your […]

Selective Neurolysis for Synkinesis and Facial Paralysis

Selective neurolysis is a groundbreaking facial reanimation surgery designed to restore a natural, spontaneous smile in patients affected by synkinesis and facial paralysis. Developed and exclusively performed by globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, this procedure is the first permanent treatment that directly addresses abnormal facial nerve regeneration—the root cause of […]

Masseter Nerve Transfer

Masseteric Nerve Transfer for Facial Paralysis Facial paralysis can significantly impact facial symmetry, expression, and quality of life. Conditions such as Bell’s palsy, acoustic neuroma, trauma, parotid tumors, and Moebius syndrome may disrupt the facial nerve and impair the ability to smile or move the face naturally. At The Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly […]

STATIC SLING for Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis affects more than appearance. It can interfere with eating, speaking, and expressing emotion. For patients seeking immediate improvement in facial symmetry, static sling procedures offer a proven solution that addresses these daily challenges without lengthy recovery times. Static suspension can create better facial symmetry as well as improve some of the most difficult […]

Facial Paralysis Temporalis Muscle Treatment

Temporalis tendon transfer offers a reliable path to restored facial symmetry for patients living with long-standing facial paralysis. This single-stage procedure delivers immediate improvement at rest and gradual return of dynamic movement, making it an excellent option when traditional nerve repair techniques are no longer viable. Temporalis treatment involves an incision into the temporalis muscle, […]

Facial Nerve Preservation Parotidectomy – What To Know

The parotid gland sits just in front of and below each ear, and running directly through it is one of the body’s most delicate structures: the facial nerve. This nerve controls everything from your smile to your ability to blink, which is why any surgery involving the parotid gland requires exceptional precision. Key Takeaways Understanding […]

Gracilis Muscle Transfer – Risks, Benefits & Who Is a Good Candidate?

For individuals living with long-term facial paralysis, finding a reliable solution to restore movement can feel like a distant hope. A gracilis muscle transfer offers one of the most effective approaches available today for facial paralysis treatment. This microsurgical procedure transplants a small portion of muscle from the inner thigh to the face, complete with […]

Lyme Disease and Facial Paralysis

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a bite from a blacklegged tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), approximately 30,000 cases are reported annually, but experts estimate as many as 476,000 people may actually experience Lyme disease in the U.S. each […]

Parotid Surgery and Facial Nerve Preservation

Parotid surgery is one of the most delicate head and neck procedures. It requires the skill of a multidisciplinary team, typically a head and neck surgeon and a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon to ensure both tumor removal and protection of the facial nerve. When performed by experienced specialists, this procedure can successfully remove parotid […]

DAO Resection Surgery – Procedure & Costs

Key Takeaways Understanding Depressor Anguli Oris Resection Surgery Ever felt that your face looks sad or depressed even when you’re fine? Sometimes the muscles around your mouth pull the corners down, causing a constantly downturned face. Often, the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle pulls downward. A piece of this muscle is carefully weakened or removed […]

Anatomical image of face with facial paralysis with botox helping it out

Fillers & Botox for Face Symmetry & Facial Paralysis

Dealing with facial paralysis can be tough, affecting not just how you look but also how you feel. You might notice one side of your face doesn’t move like the other, leading to asymmetry. This can make everyday things like smiling or even talking feel a bit different. But here’s some good news: treatments like […]

Surgery For Bell’s Palsy – What To Know

Bell’s palsy strikes without warning, leaving one side of your face drooping or completely paralyzed. While most people recover naturally within a few months, some face persistent symptoms that dramatically affect their daily lives. When standard treatments don’t work, surgery offers hope for restoring facial function and confidence. Key Takeaways When Bell’s Palsy Requires Surgical […]

Bell's Palsy vs Stroke comparison infographic

What Is the Difference Between Bell’s Palsy and Stroke?

Bell’s palsy and stroke are medical conditions commonly associated with facial paralysis. However, Bell’s palsy and stroke are not identical, and proper diagnosis is key to ensure safe, effective treatment of either condition. To better understand the differences between Bell’s palsy and stroke, let’s examine both conditions in detail. When facial weakness strikes suddenly, distinguishing […]

before and after picture of girl with bell’s palsy

Bell’s Palsy in Teenagers – Can They Get Surgery?

Bell’s palsy strikes teenagers without warning, causing sudden facial paralysis that can devastate their confidence during already challenging adolescent years. While most cases resolve naturally within months, some teens face lingering effects that significantly impact their daily lives and social interactions. This raises important questions about treatment options, particularly surgical interventions that might restore normal […]

an internal view of the ear showing an acoustic neuroma

What Is Acoustic Neuroma Facial Paralysis?

Tumors can come in many different forms; some more troublesome than others. A certain type of tumor called an acoustic neuroma is notorious for contributing to facial paralysis due to its proximity to the facial nerve.

man’s face before and after facial reanimation

Bells Palsy Signs & Symptoms To Know

Bell’s palsy strikes without warning, causing sudden facial weakness that can transform your appearance and daily life in a matter of hours. This condition affects thousands of people each year, yet many don’t recognize the early signs or understand what’s happening when one side of their face begins to droop. The condition involves damage to […]

Bell’s Palsy Self-Care: Daily Habits to Support Recovery

Bell’s palsy strikes without warning, leaving one side of your face temporarily paralyzed. While the condition typically improves on its own within months, the right self-care approach can make a significant difference in your healing journey. Understanding what is bell’s palsy helps you recognize why these daily habits matter for recovery. Key Takeaways Protecting Your […]

masseter to trigeminal facial nerve transfer

What is Cranial Nerve 7 Palsy?

Cranial nerve 7 palsy occurs when the facial nerve becomes damaged or inflamed, leading to weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. Its sudden onset not only affects physical expressions like smiling or closing the eyes but also carries emotional and social impacts for patients. Key Takeaways The Anatomy Behind Facial Nerve Function The seventh cranial […]

Bell's Palsyin Children before and after

Can Bell’s Palsy Be Cured in Children? Pediatric Recovery Explained

When a child’s face suddenly becomes partially paralyzed, parents often feel overwhelmed and desperate for answers. Bell’s palsy affects children differently than adults, and understanding the recovery process can help families navigate this challenging condition with realistic expectations and hope. Key Takeaways What Is Bell’s Palsy in Children? Bell’s palsy happens when the facial nerve […]

5 Top Bell’s Palsy Therapies Recommended by Neurologists

Bell’s palsy strikes suddenly, leaving one side of your face weakened or completely paralyzed. This temporary facial paralysis affects roughly 40,000 Americans each year, causing drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking, and challenges with basic tasks like eating or drinking. While the condition can feel overwhelming, neurologists have identified several highly effective therapies that can significantly improve […]

eye reconstruction before and after photo Image Source

Bell’s Palsy Eye Treatment Options: From Lubrication to Temporary Patching

When Bell’s palsy strikes, your inability to close your eye properly becomes one of the most immediate concerns. This neurological condition affects the facial nerve, leaving you unable to blink or fully close your affected eyelid. Without proper treatment, your eye becomes vulnerable to serious complications that could threaten your vision. The good news? Several […]

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