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Facial Paralysis can be caused by many different reasons. Some people are born with one or both sides of the face not working, either because of trauma during delivery or because of a rare conditions such as Mobius Syndrome, Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome, and hemifacial macrosomia. In Houston Facial paralysis can also be caused by an infection. Doctors think that a virus (likely Herpes Simplex virus) in the facial nerve causes swelling and inflammation in Bell’s palsy and this causes the nerve to not function properly.
Other infections such as Varicella Zoster causes inflammation of the nerve in Ramsey-Hunt, and also Lyme disease, and severe middle ear infections (mastoiditis) can cause facial paralysis. Trauma to the face or a fracture to the temporal bone (the skull bone behind the ear) can lead to facial paralysis. Finally, tumors in the parotid gland, middle ear and cerebropontine angle can compress the nerve and cause it to not function.
If you have experienced weakness or paralysis on one side of your face, it is best to work with a doctor to find the cause. It is very important to work with a medical professional because some causes can be treated with medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals or steroids, while others need surgery.
For patients who know the cause of their facial paralysis and have facial asymmetry, there are several surgeries that can be done to improve the appearance and function of the face. There are many different options for surgery depending on how long the paralysis has been present, the severity of the asymmetry, age of the patient, and what the patient wants. There are many options ranging from short procedures that can be done in the office to long surgeries that are done in two stages with months in between.Your Facial Paralysis will be performed in Dr. Regina Rodman‘s surgery center located in Houston, TX. The best way to find a treatment plan that works for you is to visit Dr. Rodman for a full consultation. At your visit she will discuss your history, examine your facial movements, and find an appropriate treatment plan based on your personal needs. Some of the options available are listed below.
Browlift: raises one eyebrow on the affected side to match the normal side
Nerve Transfer
Dynamic Sling: The temporalis tendon, which usually helps close the jaw, can be moved to the corner of the mouth so that the affected side can be raised in a smile
Static Sling: A strip of tissue, either the patient’s own tissue or synthetic tissue, is sewn under the skin to life the corner of the mouth to match the other side
Botox: can be injected into any areas that spasm on the paralyzed side, to help that side from appearing twisted and contracted. It can also be injected into some areas on the normal side (like the forehead) to weaken the muscles and make the two sides look more similar.
Refinement: Several other procedures can be done to treat the skin and improve the overall appearance of the face. Some that are particularly helpful in facial paralysis are:
Schedule Your Houston Plastic Surgery Consultation Today
The Face Forward process starts with a consultation. You will meet with Dr. Rodman (either in the office or via video call) to discuss the result or look you want to achieve. Dr. Rodman will review and educate you about your options and schedule you for the procedure of your choice. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as necessary. Achieve your look and enjoy the new you! Schedule your consultation for plastic surgery in Houston at Face Forward today.
1900 North Loop West, Suite 370, Houston TX 77018
Monday - 9am - 5pm
Tuesday - 9am - 5pm
Wednesday - 9am - 5pm
Thursday - 9am - 5pm
Friday - 7:30am - 3:30pm
