Restore facial symmetry with static suspension at New York Facial Paralysis. Led by Dr. Teresa O, this innovative approach treats facial paralysis by repositioning features like your nose, mouth, or eyelids. Using fascia from your own body or sutures, static suspension helps you regain balance, confidence, and ease in your appearance.
Restore symmetry and balance to your face
Static suspension restores symmetry to your face when it’s at rest. Dr. O uses fascia from your body or sutures to lift and reposition areas affected by facial paralysis. This technique addresses issues like a drooping mouth, collapsed nasal openings, or sagging eyelids, helping you look and feel more balanced. Fascia, a strong tissue layer from your thigh, or sutures, can provide the support needed for lasting results. Whether your facial nerve is recovering or permanently damaged, static suspension helps improve your facial harmony.
Static suspension corrects:
- Drooping or misaligned corners of the mouth
- Collapsed nasal openings that block airflow
- Flattened or uneven nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Sagging or improperly positioned lower eyelids
- Asymmetry in the cheek or midface area
- Loss of structural support in the face due to paralysis
- Difficulty closing the eye caused by lower eyelid drooping
- Discomfort or functional issues related to facial imbalance
Common areas for static suspension
External nasal valve
suspension
Facial paralysis can cause the nasal opening on one side to collapse, making it difficult to breathe and affecting the appearance of your nose. External nasal valve suspension uses a strip of fascia lata—a strong tissue from your own body—to lift and support the corner of your nose. This procedure opens the nasal cavity, allowing you to breathe easily while improving the symmetry and structure of your nose.
Nasolabial fold
suspension
The nasolabial fold, also known as the smile line, gives your face a natural definition when you smile. Facial paralysis can flatten this fold, leading to an uneven appearance. Nasolabial fold suspension repositions and lifts this area using fascia lata or sutures. This creates a defined, balanced smile line that enhances facial symmetry. Restoring the natural contour of the nasolabial fold helps you regain a more youthful look.
Oral commissure
suspension
The oral commissure (the corner of your mouth) plays a key role in your facial expression. Facial paralysis can cause the corner of the mouth to droop, leading to an asymmetrical appearance. Oral commissure suspension uses fascia lata or sutures to lift and realign the corner of your mouth, improving function and aesthetics. This technique not only restores symmetry but also enhances your ability to smile and express emotions.
Lower eyelid
suspension
Facial paralysis can cause the lower eyelid to sag or droop, exposing the eye and leading to discomfort or dryness. Lower eyelid suspension uses a small strip of fascia lata to create a hammock-like sling that gently repositions the eyelid. This improves eyelid support, protects the eye, and restores a symmetrical appearance. This is especially beneficial for preventing further complications, such as corneal damage, while enhancing the overall look of the eye area.
Static suspension techniques
Fascia lata transfer
The fascia lata transfer uses a strong, fibrous tissue layer from your thigh to lift and support areas of your face affected by paralysis. This tissue, located under the fat and above the muscle in your outer thigh, is harvested through two small incisions in your leg. Once removed, it is carefully positioned to suspend and stabilize facial features such as the nose, mouth, eyelids, or cheeks, providing durable, natural support. The procedure is performed in the operating room, and you can walk and return home the same day.
Suture suspension
Suture suspension is a minimally invasive technique ideal for cases where the facial nerve is expected to recover. This approach uses special sutures to lift and support areas of the face affected by paralysis. Small incisions are made along the nasolabial fold (the smile line) and the hairline near the ear. Dr. O uses long, thin needles to pass the sutures under the skin, gently repositioning your facial features for improved symmetry and function. Suture suspension can be performed in the office or the operating room with light sedation.
Static suspension FAQs
Will I be awake during the procedure?
This depends on the type of static suspension you need. If you need a suture suspension, it can often be performed in the office with gentle sedation, so you’ll be relaxed but awake. A fascia lata transfer is typically performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.
What is recovery like after static suspension?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. After a fascia lata transfer, you’ll go home the same day and can walk immediately, though you may experience temporary swelling or soreness in your thigh and face. For suture suspension, recovery is usually quicker, with only mild swelling or bruising at the incision sites. Dr. O will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery goes smoothly and you achieve the best results.
Will I have visible scars after static suspension?
Dr. O places incisions strategically to minimize any visible scarring. For fascia lata transfer, the incisions in your thigh are small and typically fade over time. Facial incisions are often hidden in natural folds, like the nasolabial fold or along the hairline. Dr. O’s expertise ensures that any scars are discreet and blend naturally with your features.
How soon will I see results from static suspension?
You’ll notice an improvement in facial symmetry immediately after the procedure, though there may be some swelling initially. Your results will become more defined as the swelling subsides over the following weeks. Fascia lata transfers provide durable, long-lasting results, while suture suspensions offer a quicker but sometimes temporary solution.
Schedule your consultation
New York Facial Paralysis is a leading center for facial paralysis care, conveniently located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Led by expert doctors like Dr. O, we specialize in treatments like static suspension to restore your facial symmetry and confidence. With personalized care and state-of-the-art techniques, our team is dedicated to achieving exceptional results. Schedule your consultation today and discover how static suspension can help you regain balance and function in your facial features.
