Facial Paralysis Treatment

History

Facial paralysis is a condition where normal motions of facial expression are altered. The paralysis of the face is usually on one side creating an imbalance in appearance and function. Facial paralysis has multiple causes, most often affecting adults. These causes can include stroke, Bell’s Palsy, traumatic injury, and tumors. Bell’s Palsy accounts for about 75% percent of all adults who experience facial paralysis. In some cases of facial paralysis, a person may experience spontaneous and progressive recovery of facial expression; however, this is typically related to the cause of the condition, and many patients experience permanent paralysis unless therapy or surgical treatment is performed.

Facial paralysis causes an extensive and complex physical alteration of facial features, affecting both form and function of the face. These effects can include:

• Difficulty or inability to smile
• Difficulty or inability to close the eyelid
• Decreased production of tears
• Corneal exposure and damage
• Asymmetry of the face
• Drooping of one side of the mouth
• Depression of the brows
• Problems with the nasal airway

Doctors at the New York Plastic Surgical Group are among the country’s very few surgeons who perform facial reanimation surgery. The goal of the procedure is to restore balance and symmetry to the face, while helping patients restore their smiles and reduce the physical and emotional toll that facial paralysis can bring. For more than 75 years, NYPS Group has been at the forefront of facial reanimation surgery.

Dr. Leonard Rubin, a founding partner of the New York Plastic Surgical Group, is considered a forefather in facial reanimation techniques. In fact, the year NYPS Group opened its doors in 1948, Dr. Rubin began treating patients who were affected by facial paralysis. The current head of our Facial Reanimation Center, Dr. Roger Simpson has been with NYPS Group since 1980. In addition to his specialty training at some of the world’s most respected medical institutions, Dr. Simpson studied, researched, and trained in facial reanimation surgery directly under Dr. Rubin. He has been actively involved in facial reanimation procedures as well as lecturing on facial paralysis for 25 years. Dr. Simpson has continued Dr. Rubin’s original work in facial paralysis, treating patients nationally and internationally.

We understand the necessary human desire to be able to express yourself, and the tragic emotional and physical consequences when that ability is lost. Our doctors have devoted large portions of their careers to the study and implementation of surgical techniques that bring effective results in the treatment of facial paralysis. You can find out if you are a candidate for facial reanimation surgery by visiting our candidacy requirements page.

If you have questions or concerns about facial paralysis and treatment options, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact the Facial Reanimation Center at NYPS Group.

You can also find out more about the history of our practice, as well as detailed doctor biographies and the many other procedures and treatments available, by visiting our main website at www.lipsg.com.