Restore your smile and confidence with smile surgery at New York Facial Paralysis. Led by Dr. O, this specialized procedure treats facial paralysis caused by nerve damage or muscle loss. If you’re struggling with asymmetry or difficulty smiling, we can help you achieve a natural, expressive smile once again.
Regain a natural, expressive smile
Smile surgery is a procedure that helps you regain a natural, expressive smile after facial paralysis. When facial muscles lose function due to nerve damage, smile surgery restores balance and movement by transferring muscles or nerves to the affected areas. At New York Facial Paralysis, Dr. O offers advanced techniques such as gracilis-free muscle transfer, temporalis lengthening, and digastric muscle transfer to reanimate your smile. With smile surgery, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with an engaging, vibrant smile.
Smile surgery corrects:
- Loss of the ability to smile due to facial paralysis
- Drooping or asymmetry of the mouth
- Inability to lift the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty expressing emotions through facial movement
- Lower lip imbalance caused by muscle paralysis
- Weakness in facial muscles preventing dynamic expressions
Smile surgery techniques
Gracilis-free muscle transfer
This technique uses a small piece of the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh to restore your ability to smile. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, using an incision near your ear to access the face. The transplanted muscle is connected to a nearby artery, vein, and nerve, allowing it to integrate with your facial structures. Over 6-9 months, the nerve grows into the muscle to gradually restore movement. This technique is ideal if your facial muscles have been paralyzed for up to two years.
Temporalis lengthening procedure
The temporalis lengthening procedure uses a local muscle in your face to recreate your smile. The temporalis muscle on the side of your head helps with chewing and biting. Dr. O repositions this muscle toward the corner of your mouth, giving it a new role in facial movement. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with all incisions made inside your mouth. Movement often begins within weeks, and physical therapy starts 3-4 weeks later to help you regain strength and coordination for a more natural smile.
Anterior belly of the digastric transfer for lower lip reanimation
The anterior belly of the digastric transfer focuses on correcting paralysis that prevents your lower lip from moving properly. A small muscle under your chin called the anterior digastric is rotated upward to support the lower lip. This outpatient procedure is completed in the operating room under general anesthesia and allows you to go home the same day. Within a week, your sutures are removed, and you’ll notice improved symmetry and function of your lower lip, helping restore your facial expressions.
Smile surgery FAQs
What causes the loss of your smile in facial paralysis?
Facial paralysis affects the nerves or muscles responsible for movement on one or both sides of your face. This can happen due to trauma, Bell’s palsy, tumors, or after surgery to remove a tumor near the facial nerve. When these muscles or nerves lose their function, the ability to smile naturally is affected. Smile surgery restores movement to these areas.
Am I a candidate for smile surgery?
If you have facial paralysis that prevents you from smiling or causes noticeable asymmetry, you may be a good candidate for smile surgery. Even if paralysis has lasted for years, techniques like gracilis-free muscle transfer can restore movement. Dr. O will evaluate your specific condition, medical history, and goals to determine the best surgical option for you.
How long does it take to see results after smile surgery?
The timeline for results depends on the procedure. For the gracilis-free muscle transfer, it takes 6-9 months for the nerve to grow into the new muscle, at which point you’ll start seeing movement. For temporalis lengthening and digastric transfer, movement can begin within weeks. In all cases, physical therapy is crucial to help you refine your new smile.
Is smile surgery painful?
Smile surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some soreness or swelling in the treated areas for a few days to a week. Dr. O and her team will also provide pain management options to ensure your comfort.
Will smile surgery leave visible scars?
Dr. O uses advanced techniques to ensure that incisions are discreet. For gracilis-free muscle transfer, the incision is made near the ear and blends into natural facial creases. Temporalis lengthening uses incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.
Is physical therapy necessary after smile surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is essential to help you achieve the best results. Specialized physical therapists will teach you exercises to train your new muscles, improve coordination, and refine your smile. Physical therapy is particularly important for procedures like gracilis-free muscle transfer, where you’ll learn to activate the new muscle over time.
Schedule your consultation
New York Facial Paralysis is a premier clinic in Midtown East, Manhattan, specializing in advanced treatments for facial paralysis. Led by Dr. O, an expert in facial nerve disorders, our team combines cutting-edge techniques with personalized care to restore your smile. Whether you’ve experienced recent paralysis or long-term challenges, we offer compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs. Schedule your consultation today to explore how smile surgery can help you regain the ability to smile confidently.
