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Asymmetric Facelift for Facial Paralysis

Patients who have suffered a long-standing facial palsy, facial paralysis, or facial nerve injury will often find that the two sides of their face will age differently. An asymmetric facelift for facial paralysis may be helpful to improve facial symmetry and for some patients this may improve facial function as well, for example improving clarity of speech by tightening the skin around the mouth in patients with flaccid type paralysis. Sometimes a facelift can be performed just on the paralysed side, in some cases a facelift on both sides is performed in order to address overall symmetry and function.

What should I expect from Surgery?

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, at a hospital and you will very likely stay overnight. This procedure may be performed in combination with other procedures that help to improve facial position, symmetry and function – these would be explained in detail to you prior to your operation. Typically these operations are highly personalised depending on your surgeons assessment of your needs. It is typical to have sutures along the facelift incision which runs just in front of the ear – this scar will generally heal very well and become inconspicuous over several months after the operation.

Following the operation you may have a head bandage applied, and in some cases you may have a small drain that helps reduce the chance of significant bleeding or bruising under the skin. This typically is removed painlessly along with your head bandage the following morning by your surgeon.

How do I find out more?

Speak with your doctor about seeing a surgeon that specialises in facial nerve disorders and Facial reanimation.