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: Nerve Injury After Facelift Thank you for your question. While nerve injury is not expected or normal after facelift surgery, it is a known complication. It happens about 4% of the time. The good news is that in 96-98% of the time it is only a temporary injury that recovers on its own over a few months without further treatment. If it persists beyond a few months, I would recommend discussing it further with your surgeon. Facial rehabilitation exercises can be helpful in accelerating recovery as would be done after facial nerve injury repair. Specialized rehab centers offer this service. Best wishes on your recovery.
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June 14, 2017
Answer: Nerve Injury After Facelift Thank you for your question. While nerve injury is not expected or normal after facelift surgery, it is a known complication. It happens about 4% of the time. The good news is that in 96-98% of the time it is only a temporary injury that recovers on its own over a few months without further treatment. If it persists beyond a few months, I would recommend discussing it further with your surgeon. Facial rehabilitation exercises can be helpful in accelerating recovery as would be done after facial nerve injury repair. Specialized rehab centers offer this service. Best wishes on your recovery.
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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
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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
