Some conditions – like Bell’s palsy, injuries or certain tumors – can cause facial paralysis. This means the facial muscles do not move the way they should. It can affect smiling, blinking, eating and even sleeping.
Fortunately, facial nerve reanimation is a treatment that can bring back facial movement, function and symmetry – and restore your quality of life, too.
Treatment Options
We offer both surgical and non‑surgical treatments to help you move your face more normally. These include:
- Nerve repair or nerve grafting: This surgery reconnects facial nerves that have been cut or damaged. Sometimes a small piece of nerve from another part of your body is used to help complete the connection.
- Nerve transfers: In this procedure, a healthy nerve from another area of your face is connected to the weak area to help restore movement.
- Muscle transfers: A muscle from another part of your body – often the inner thigh – is moved to the face to help bring back movement.
- Botox and physical therapy: Botox can relax tight or overactive muscles. Physical therapy helps retrain facial muscles so they move in a smoother, more coordinated way.
- Static procedures: These procedures provide support and improve facial symmetry. Examples include small eyelid weights to help the eye close, facial slings and repositioning of facial tissues.
Benefits of Facial Nerve Reanimation
Facial paralysis can be hard to live with. Improved movement can help you:
- Close your eyes, smile, speak and eat normally again
- Improve facial symmetry and overall appearance
- Feel more confident in social situations
- Improve overall daily activities and reduce the need for help from others
Who Should Consider Facial Nerve Reanimation?
You may be a good candidate for facial nerve reanimation if:
- You have facial paralysis-recent or long‑standing-from Bell’s palsy, injury or tumors
- You want to improve facial expression, symmetry and important functions like blinking or speaking
- You are medically stable and have realistic expectations about recovery
Why Choose Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist?
- Expert care: Our surgeons specialize in advanced facial nerve reanimation techniques, including both surgical and non‑surgical options.
- Team approach: Your care includes specialists in surgery, speech therapy and physical rehabilitation.
- Advanced treatments: We offer the latest techniques to help you achieve the best results.
- Personalized care: Your treatment plan is tailored to your needs, goals and preferences.