Facial Paralysis Reconstruction
Restoring movement and symmetry lost after damage to the facial nerve, using reconstructive surgical techniques.
Learn moreFacial Reconstruction
Dynamic Facial Reanimation
Recreating a voluntary smile through nerve and muscle transfer.
At a glance
- Operating time
- 5–8 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- 3 nights
- Back to desk work
- approx. 21 days
- Social recovery
- approx. 42 days
About this procedure
An advanced microsurgical procedure performed to restore active smiling and movement of expression to the paralysed side of the face.
Surgical approach and technique
Living muscle and nerve tissue taken from elsewhere in the body replaces the facial muscles that no longer work and is joined to the vessels and nerves of the face.
Who is it for?
Suitable for patients whose muscles of expression no longer work because of facial paralysis and in whom an active smile is to be restored.
Recovery
Integration of nerve and muscle takes time. Over the following months the patient gains the ability to smile spontaneously on the paralysed side.
Back to desk work: approx. 21 days. Social recovery: approx. 42 days. Depending on the scope of surgery you should plan for between 6 and 12 nights. The exact figure is confirmed in writing with your treatment plan.
The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice. Timings and recovery vary between individuals; a definitive plan can only be made after examination.
Frequently asked questions
How long before the muscle starts to work?
Nerve healing takes time, so the first movements generally begin to be seen within six to nine months.
Related procedures
Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer
Microsurgical transfer of the gracilis muscle from the thigh to the face to restore smile movement.
Learn moreFacial Asymmetry Surgery
Rebalancing congenital or acquired facial asymmetry at the level of volume, bone and soft tissue.
Learn morePost-Traumatic Facial Reconstruction
Repairing fractures, tissue loss and scarring with equal attention to function and appearance.
Learn moreA personal assessment for this procedure
Share your photographs and let us plan the right technique and timeline together.
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