Facial Reanimation

Name: Facial Reanimation
Brand: Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute
Rating: 5 (15 reviews)

Facial reanimation is a highly specialized field of plastic surgery aimed at restoring movement and expression to faces affected by paralysis or nerve damage. At Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute, our team, led by board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward H. Davidson, MD, FACS, is at the forefront of providing advanced facial reanimation procedures as well as sensory cranial nerve and migraine surgery.

What is facial reanimation?

Facial reanimation surgery addresses various forms of facial paralysis, whether congenital, resulting from trauma, or due to medical conditions like Bell’s palsy or tumors. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to express emotions, speak, eat, and blink, significantly impacting their quality of life.

boy laying on beach while small wave crashes on him

What can a custom facial reanimation surgery do for my appearance?

Restoring symmetry: Achieving a balanced appearance between the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of the face.
Improving function: Enhancing the ability to express emotions, smile, and perform essential functions like eating and blinking.
Enhancing quality of life: Boosting confidence and self-esteem by improving both aesthetic and functional aspects of facial expression.

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Facial Reanimation Before & After

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Types of facial reanimation procedures

The choice of procedure depends on several factors, including the cause, duration, and extent of facial paralysis. The approach selected may be one of the following:

Sling operations: Use of grafts or synthetic materials to support facial features and improve symmetry.
Brow lifts and eyelid weights: Procedures to correct drooping eyebrows and assist in eyelid closure.
Nerve transfers: Re-routing nerves from other areas of the body to restore facial muscle function.
Muscle transfers: Transplanting muscles from other body parts to the face to provide movement and expression.
Free flap surgery: Using microsurgical techniques to transplant tissue, along with its blood supply, to the face.

Sensory Cranial Nerve Surgery

Trauma, tumors and other medical conditions can also cause loss of sensation, or feeling, to the face as well as be causes of nerve pain and migraines. Nerve transfer and nerve graft surgery can be used to restore sensory function to the face and specialized structures, including the cornea of the eye (“corneal neurotization”). Nerve surgery can also be performed to release the nerves that contribute to migraines and facial pain.

Individualized Plans and Procedure

Facial reanimation and cranial sensory nerve surgery is complex and tailored to the individual needs of each patient. It may involve multiple surgical stages and a combination of static and dynamic techniques. Comprehensive evaluation and planning are crucial to develop a personalized surgical plan.

A Reconstructive Expert

Dr. Davidson discusses his dedication to reconstructive surgery.

Who is a candidate for facial reanimation or sensory nerve surgery?

Candidates include individuals with facial paralysis, facial sensory deficits, migraines and facial pain due to various causes and at different time points since onset who are in good overall health. A thorough consultation with Dr. Davidson is essential to determine suitability and identify the best course of action. Timing or duration of symptoms is important and so consultation as soon as possible is recommended.

Recovery after facial reanimation or sensory nerve surgery

Recovery from facial reanimation surgery varies based on the specific procedures performed. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided, focusing on wound care, medication management, and gradual resumption of activities. Physical therapy is often a component of recovery to maximize the functional outcomes of the surgery.

Complementary procedures

In some cases, additional procedures such as cosmetic enhancements or BOTOX® may be recommended to further improve the overall facial appearance, symmetry, and /or symptoms.

Long-term follow-up and support

Ongoing follow-up is crucial for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the surgery. Our team provides continuous support, including physical therapy and emotional support, as patients adapt to the changes in their facial function and appearance.

Patient safety and excellence in care

At Palm Beach Plastic Surgery Institute our hospital-based surgical setting ensures the highest standards of care with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff. Dr. Davidson’s specialized training and expertise in facial surgery ensure that patients receive the best possible care and results. We believe in warm, compassionate patient care, combining the precision of surgical excellence with concierge-style service. We are committed to creating happy patients by providing total availability, service, wraparound care, and a quality experience, ensuring that each patient feels valued and cared for throughout their journey.

Why choose us?

With a dedicated team led by an experienced surgeon, cutting-edge techniques, and a patient-centric approach, we are committed to restoring not just appearance and function but also confidence and quality of life. Contact us to explore how facial reanimation or sensory nerve surgery can help you or your loved ones embark on a path to recovery and renewal.