Facial Reconstructive Surgery Q&A
95%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
21 Reviews
Facial Reconstructive Surgerybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Facial Reconstructive Surgery Cost: $5,237

Learn about Facial Reconstructive Surgery

79 people and 75 doctors are talking about Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Get Free Email Updates

Acoustic Neuroma Removal

asked 1 year ago by Damita1 in San Antonio, TX
Latest answer by Fredrick A. Valauri, MD
Question viewed 361 times
Tags: smile, female, nerve damage, options

I have not smiled since 1980 when i had an acoustic neuroma removal. My left eye doesnt blink or tear, my lips are crooked when I talk, I am hearing impaired as well. The left side of my face is paralyzed. I wish I could smile again without being embarassed, is there anything that could give me back at least a smile and some expression on my face?

5 answers to Acoustic Neuroma Removal

+2

Smile Restoration for Facial Palsy after Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Restoration of a smile and facial animation due to ffacial nerve paralysis or facial palsy has a variety of treatment options. The causes range from trauma to tumor removal to virus such as Bell's Palsy. The depending on the individual case options include lthe use local muscle flaps such as the masseter or temporalis muscles; fascial suspension grafts, microsurgical reconstruction with cross face nerve grafts and microvascular free muscle transplants. For eye closure... more
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

+2

Facial Reanimation

Yes there is something that can help you and help you regain symmetry in your face! As a facial plastic surgeon, facial paralysis is an area that I have a particular interest in. Through the combination of the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques, you can regain symmetry of your face, avoid the tightness in your face, and improve your quality of life.
Kimberly Lee, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facial reanimation

Because the facial nerve has been sacrificed the muscles in the face the nerve innervates have degenerated by now so nerve grafts at this point won't work.  Gold or platinum eyelid weights can assist with eye closure.  Restoring some degree of facial symmetry consists of two classes of techniques.  The first is dynamic when functional muscle is transfered or restoring nerve inputs into existing muscle.   Sometimes the chewing muscles in the temple... more
Mark Loury, MD

Fort Collins Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facial paralysis

There are many BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS (AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY) that specializes in facial paralysis. Most important is your eye that does not close, need urgent protection and then a permenant solution plan. as for the smile there are many procedures as facial slings available. You might be a candidate for cross facial nerve grafts. (Dr. Julia Trezis) norfok VA.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treatment of facial paralysis

Treatment of facial paralysis is possible no matter how long ago the paralysis began.  Unfortunately, there is nothing (yet) that can restore the smile before you had before the tumor was removed, but there are many things that can be done to improve facial symmetry, minimize eye problems, and even give you some sort of smile!   Good luck!
P. Daniel Ward, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question