Restore movement and symmetry to your face with advanced nerve and muscle transfer techniques at New York Facial Paralysis. Led by Dr. O, these innovative procedures treat long-term facial paralysis and nerve damage, helping you regain natural expressions and confidence. Experience expert care tailored to your unique needs.
Restore movement and
function to your face
Nerve and muscle transfers are specialized surgical techniques to restore movement and function to your face after long-term paralysis or nerve damage. If your facial nerve is damaged or nonfunctional, these procedures connect healthy nerves or muscles from other parts of your body to the affected areas. This helps you regain the ability to smile, blink, and make natural facial expressions. At New York Facial Paralysis, Dr. O expertly performs these intricate procedures according to your unique condition to restore facial symmetry and function.
Nerve and muscle transfers correct:
- Loss of facial movement due to long-term paralysis
- Inability to smile or show facial expressions
- Eyelid dysfunction affecting blinking and eye closure
- Drooping of the mouth and asymmetry
- Loss of facial tone and muscle support
- Functional issues caused by nerve damage or trauma
- Difficulty eating or speaking due to facial paralysis
- Involuntary facial twitching or tightness
- Reduced sensation in affected areas of the face
Nerve and muscle transfer techniques
Gracilis transfer
The gracilis transfer uses a small muscle from your inner thigh, called the gracilis muscle, to restore movement to your face. This muscle is carefully transplanted to the paralyzed area and connected to a functioning nerve, artery, and vein. Over several months, the nerve grows into the transplanted muscle, enabling you to regain the ability to smile and show facial expressions. This technique is particularly effective for long-term facial paralysis and is often paired with specialized physical therapy to refine your movements after surgery.
Cross-face nerve graft
A cross-face nerve graft helps restore facial movement by borrowing nerve signals from the healthy side of your face. A sensory nerve, typically taken from your leg, acts as a bridge to carry electrical signals from the unaffected facial nerve to the paralyzed side. This procedure allows the paralyzed side to mirror the movements of the healthy side, creating more natural and symmetrical expressions. The grafted nerve takes time to grow and connect, but it plays a crucial role in reanimating your facial muscles.
Masseter nerve
The masseter nerve, responsible for chewing, can be repurposed to activate paralyzed facial muscles. In this procedure, the masseter nerve is connected to the facial muscles on the affected side, providing a new source of nerve input. Since the masseter nerve is strong and close to the facial muscles, it offers reliable and immediate activation. With practice, you can learn to control your smile and expressions by integrating chewing movements into your facial function. This technique provides a practical solution for restoring essential facial movements.
Nerve and muscle transfers FAQs
Who is a good candidate for nerve and muscle transfers?
You may be a good candidate for nerve and muscle transfers if you have experienced facial paralysis for six months or longer, have significant nerve damage, or your facial muscles are no longer functional. These procedures are often tailored to individuals who are unable to regain natural facial movements through therapy alone. Dr. O will carefully evaluate your condition, medical history, and goals to determine the best approach for you.
How long does it take to see results after surgery?
Nerve and muscle transfer results take time, as your body needs to heal, and the nerves must grow into their new connections. It typically takes 6 to 9 months for nerve regrowth to reach the muscles. In the case of gracilis muscle transfers, you’ll notice gradual improvements as you undergo physical therapy to refine and control your new facial movements.
Is the surgery painful?
During the procedure, you’ll be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After surgery, mild to moderate discomfort is common but can be managed with prescribed pain medications. The surgical sites—such as the face and the area where a nerve or muscle is harvested (e.g., the leg for gracilis transfer)—may feel sore for a few days.
Will I have scars after surgery?
Dr. O uses advanced techniques to ensure scars are as minimal and inconspicuous as possible. Incisions are strategically placed along natural creases in the face or hidden in areas such as the hairline. For muscle or nerve harvesting, scars are small and fade over time with proper care. You’ll receive detailed instructions to help your incisions heal optimally.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process. After nerve and muscle transfers, physical therapy helps you learn to control and refine your new facial movements. For example, you may need to practice smiling, blinking, or other facial expressions to retrain your muscles.
Schedule your consultation
New York Facial Paralysis is a leading clinic in Midtown East, Manhattan, specializing in nerve and muscle transfers to restore facial movement and symmetry. Led by renowned experts like Dr. O, we offer advanced, personalized care for facial paralysis. With cutting-edge techniques and compassionate treatment, we help you achieve exceptional results. Schedule your consultation to explore how nerve and muscle transfers can restore your expressions.
