Will I be able to blink and smile again after having a tumor removed in my parotid gland my nerves was stretch but not severed?

Thank you for your question. Swelling, and manipulation to the nerve will delay an accurate assessment. Thus, wait for a full year to evaluate the nerve, then evaluate your risks, and options. I hope this helps.

This is not uncommon following parotid surgery. The problem is that only time will tell. It can take several months or longer for function to return. In the meantime, if you're having trouble blinking you should followup closely with your surgeon to ensure that your eye is protected. This can be as simple as drops, ointment and a moisture chamber or taping. However, if your eye is threatened, a gold weight to help close the eye can be necessary while your facial nerve heals. This is a straight-forward office procedure that is well tolerated and reversible. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Thanks so much for your note. I would not expect nerve injury. Best of luck. I AM SURE THAT all will end well. Best of luck.

The facial nerve courses through the parotid gland, so it is not unusual for it to be stretched during removal of the gland. If the nerve was not severed and only stretched, normally you should get full return of blinking and smiling, but it can take several weeks to months to come back fully.

Usually temoporary injury will improve over several weeks to a few months if the nerve was not significantly damaged with the parotid surgery. Keep your eye moist with drops or ointment if it is affected. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.