Restore your ability to express emotions with facial reanimation surgery in NYC. At New York Facial Paralysis, Led by Dr. Teresa O, these specialized procedures treat conditions like facial nerve damage, paralysis, or synkinesis. With advanced techniques tailored to your needs, we’re here to help you regain your confidence and natural facial movement.
Restore movement and expression to your face
Facial reanimation is a series of advanced surgical techniques that restore movement and symmetry to your face after facial paralysis, nerve damage, or synkinesis. By reconnecting nerves, transferring muscles, or addressing tight or overactive areas, these procedures help you regain control of facial expressions like smiling, blinking, and speaking naturally. At New York Facial Paralysis, Dr. O combines her expertise in reconstructive surgery and facial nerve care to create treatment plans tailored to your needs. Whether your goal is to restore function, improve appearance, or relieve discomfort, facial reanimation in NYC can help you reclaim your confidence.
Facial reanimation corrects:
- Facial paralysis caused by nerve damage or trauma
- Loss of the ability to smile or make facial expressions
- Eyelid drooping or difficulty closing the eye
- Asymmetry in facial movement or appearance
- Tightness or overactivity of facial muscles (synkinesis)
- Difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking due to muscle weakness
- Imbalance between the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of the face
- Sagging or drooping of the mouth or cheek
- Inability to fully protect the eye from dryness or injury
- Weakness or loss of muscle tone in the lips or jaw
- Facial discomfort or pain from muscle spasms
Facial Reanimation Surgery Techniques
Gracilis muscle transfer
Gracilis muscle transfer is a surgical procedure that restores facial movement by using a small piece of muscle taken from your inner thigh. As part of facial reanimation surgery in NYC, this muscle, called the gracilis, is carefully placed in your face and connected to nearby blood vessels and nerves. Once the muscle heals, it acts as a replacement for paralyzed facial muscles, allowing you to regain the ability to smile or move your face. Nerve connections are made to stimulate the muscle, and you’ll start seeing movement over several months.
Facial nerve trauma repair
Facial nerve trauma repair focuses on fixing damage to the facial nerve caused by injury, surgery, or medical conditions. The procedure may involve reconnecting severed nerve ends or using grafts from other parts of your body to bridge gaps in the damaged nerve. This repair helps restore the nerve’s ability to send signals to your facial muscles, enabling you to regain movement and expression. The surgery is often performed using advanced techniques to ensure alignment of nerve fibers, giving you the best chance for recovery.
Selective neurectomy or neurolysis
Selective neurectomy or neurolysis targets tight or overactive facial muscles caused by abnormal nerve regeneration, often seen in synkinesis. In a neurectomy, specific nerve branches that are sending excessive signals are selectively cut to release tightness and improve muscle coordination. Neurolysis, however, involves freeing trapped nerves from scar tissue to restore proper function. Both techniques are performed under general anesthesia with the help of advanced monitoring technology to ensure precision.
Myectomy
Myectomy is a procedure that targets tight or overactive facial muscles caused by abnormal nerve regeneration, commonly seen in synkinesis. As part of facial reanimation surgery in NYC, this technique involves trimming or cutting specific muscles to relieve tightness, helping to restore more natural facial movement and expression.
Facial reanimation FAQs
Am I a candidate for facial reanimation?
You may be a candidate for facial reanimation in NYC if you have facial paralysis, synkinesis, or nerve damage that affects your ability to smile, close your eyes, or perform other facial movements. During your consultation, Dr. Teresa O will evaluate your condition and medical history to determine the best treatment options for you.
What can I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, Dr. O will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a thorough facial assessment. She’ll explain your treatment options in detail, answer any questions, and create a customized plan tailored to your needs and goals.
How long does the recovery take?
Recovery time depends on the procedure you undergo. For example, a gracilis muscle transfer may require several months for the nerve to fully integrate and start moving, while selective neurectomy or neurolysis or myectomy typically provides immediate relief from tightness. Swelling and bruising generally subside within a few weeks, but complete healing may take a few months.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is often an essential part of your recovery. Specialized facial nerve physical therapy helps train your muscles and nerves to work together effectively, improving the strength and coordination of your facial movements. Physical therapy typically begins a few weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure you’ve had.
Can facial reanimation improve my smile?
Yes, facial reanimation in NYC can significantly improve your smile, even if you’ve experienced long-term paralysis. Techniques like gracilis muscle transfer or temporalis lengthening reanimate your facial muscles, enabling you to smile naturally again. With time and physical therapy, you’ll refine your smile and regain control over your facial expressions.
Schedule your consultation
New York Facial Paralysis is a leading center for facial reanimation located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Led by Dr. Teresa O, an expert in facial nerve disorders, we provide advanced, personalized care to restore movement and facial symmetry. With state-of-the-art techniques and a compassionate approach, our team delivers exceptional results in this highly specialized field. Take the first step toward reclaiming your natural expressions—schedule your consultation for facial reanimation in NYC today. Let us help you achieve the outcomes you deserve.
