Facial palsy can be a very debilitating condition that can make it difficult to speak, eat, and make facial expressions. If you are suffering from facial palsy, you may feel like you have lost a part of yourself. Facial palsy repair is the solution for you. This surgery can help to improve the function of your facial muscles and restore your quality of life. Book an appointment with Dr. Nilesh Satbhai today!
Facial palsy is the partial or complete paralysis of the facial muscles. Facial palsy generally affects only one side of the face, though it may affect both sides of the face in rare instances.
Paralysis of the facial muscles can lead to several problems, including difficulty speaking, eating, and making facial expressions. Facial palsy can lead to social isolation and depression.
The symptoms of facial palsy depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, there may be only a slight drooping of the corner of the mouth. In more severe cases, the entire face may be affected.
Common symptoms of facial palsy include:
Facial palsy can be caused by many different things, including:
Facial palsy repair is a type of reconstructive surgery that is used to improve the function of the facial muscles. This surgery can help to restore the ability to speak, eat, and make facial expressions. Facial palsy repair is recommended for someone who is suffering from facial palsy that is permanent or not expected to improve in the short term.
During the consultation for facial palsy repair, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will carefully examine your face and may order tests, like electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies, to determine the cause of your facial palsy. Dr. Nilesh will also discuss your full medical history with you, including any illnesses, injuries, or previous surgeries.
Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will answer any questions you may have about facial palsy repair and explain the potential risks and complications of the procedure. Dr. Nilesh will develop a treatment plan suitable for your unique case.
The ultimate aim of facial palsy repair is to restore involuntary, autonomous, and spontaneous facial movement. There are many different types of facial palsy repair, and the type of surgery Dr. Nilesh recommends will depend on the severity and cause of your condition, and the time elapsed since the start of the paralysis.
The most common types of facial palsy repair are:
Nerve grafting is a type of surgery that is used to repair damage to the facial nerves. Nerve grafting involves taking a healthy, unessential nerve from another part of the body and transplanting it to the damaged, non-functioning facial nerve. The healthy nerve will aid in the repair of the damaged nerve, allowing it to regain feeling and function.
During functioning free muscle transfer, the gracilis muscle is removed from the inner thigh through an incision. The nerves and blood vessels attached to the gracilis muscle will be carefully removed along with the muscle. The gracilis muscle will be transplanted to the face, and the nerves and blood vessels will be reconnected to nerves and vessels in the face and/or neck. This allows the facial nerve to send signals to the transplanted gracilis muscle and restore movement.
Most people who undergo facial palsy repair will experience some degree of swelling and bruising after the surgery. Patients should be advised to start their recovery with a soft diet and no vigorous activity for the first two weeks at home. After the surgery, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai may ask the patients to do various face exercises.
The results of facial palsy repair will be seen over several months after the procedure. It is essential to attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Nilesh Satbhai so that Dr. Nilesh can keep track of the healing and recovery process, and ensure that there are no complications.
The cost of facial palsy repair depends on the severity of the condition and the type of procedure Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will recommend.
At the consultation, Dr. Nilesh will consider your unique situation and explain the full cost of the procedure and the contributing factors.
Request AppointmentFacial palsy repair can improve the appearance of the face, as well as restore facial function and sensation. This type of surgery can help to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from facial palsy.
Like all surgical treatments, there is a chance of infection, poor wound healing, and bleeding following facial palsy repair. However, these risks are rarely seen and can be easily and safely addressed by experienced reconstructive surgeon Dr. Nilesh Satbhai .
MBBS, MS, MCh