Is it normal to have facial nerve paresis after face lift, where my eyebrow won't move & eye won't close, is it reversible, and a pretty bad neuralgia pain around the ear/cheeks 3 weeks post-op? What kind of recovery symptoms should I expect to have? My doctor didn't warn me of anything at all, and I am in constant pain & discomfort
June 14, 2017
Answer: Facial paresis The facial nerve can be injured during facelift. In most cases it is a weakness and not a permanent injury. It recovers in 3 months. The pain or neuralgia around ear is from the sensory nerves. It is best treated with kenalog injections in the area of maximum pain and tenderness as kenalog (a steroid) takes away the inflammation. Hang in there as it will get better and even in the worst case of no recovery there is a lot that can be done to improve the aesthetics of the face. RegardsDr. Janjua
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June 14, 2017
Answer: Facial paresis The facial nerve can be injured during facelift. In most cases it is a weakness and not a permanent injury. It recovers in 3 months. The pain or neuralgia around ear is from the sensory nerves. It is best treated with kenalog injections in the area of maximum pain and tenderness as kenalog (a steroid) takes away the inflammation. Hang in there as it will get better and even in the worst case of no recovery there is a lot that can be done to improve the aesthetics of the face. RegardsDr. Janjua
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 14, 2017
Answer: Facial Nerve Branch Paralysis I am very sorry that you are experiencing problems after your procedure. Simply put, the inability to move your brow and close your eye is not normal after facelift. However, this most likely represents a paresis of the frontal and zygomatic branches of your facial nerve, which will return to normalcy in time. It is exceedingly rare to have a permanent injury to these branches. The pain around your ear represents an inflammatory process of the sensory nerves that supply the ear. Only your Surgeon knows the extent and course of your surgery, so reassurance and a review of expectations from him/her will most likely be the best course.
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June 14, 2017
Answer: Facial Nerve Branch Paralysis I am very sorry that you are experiencing problems after your procedure. Simply put, the inability to move your brow and close your eye is not normal after facelift. However, this most likely represents a paresis of the frontal and zygomatic branches of your facial nerve, which will return to normalcy in time. It is exceedingly rare to have a permanent injury to these branches. The pain around your ear represents an inflammatory process of the sensory nerves that supply the ear. Only your Surgeon knows the extent and course of your surgery, so reassurance and a review of expectations from him/her will most likely be the best course.
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