Facial Reanimation is the process of surgically correcting a face that is paralyzed. Facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve (a large nerve that moves the muscles of the face) is injured by such things as trauma, cancer, infections, and Bell’s Palsy.
Fortunately, many cases of facial paralysis are temporary and resolve over the course of months. However, in patients who do not fully recover, there can be significant functional, cosmetic, and emotional consequences.
Dr. Bryan Ambro offers a wide range of procedures to help restore facial symmetry and, in some cases, facial motion. These include:
- Botox for spasmodic muscles that incorrectly recover (synkinesis)
- Upper eyelid weight placement to help with eye closure
- Muscle transfers
- Nerve grafting
- Brow lift, Blepharoplasty and Facelift to elevate the paralyzed side
Real Patient Story “Juliane”
In 2004, Juliane developed Bell’s Palsy, a nerve disorder that causes facial paralysis. Over several years, she visited numerous doctors who were unable to provide her with any answers or effective treatments. When she finally came to Dr. Ambro, she was relieved by his kindness, patience, and understanding. Treatment for Juliane will be ongoing, but a protocol has been reached that will help her restore a natural appearance. Dr. Ambro performed eyelid surgery, and Juliane received Botox and Restylane injections to improve the effects of paralysis.
In Juliane’s Words: “What you have done for me is priceless…”
I am going to try to adequately put into words my gratitude to you and your supporting staff as well. When I developed Bell’s Palsy four years ago, I saw at least half a dozen doctors. None of which really helped me and one that literally shook my faith in doctors altogether. I was left with the physical disfigurement of the right side of my face, the emotional aspects that came with that, and nowhere to turn.
I was very impressed on my first visit to your office. You took your time with me going over everything that happened from day one to the present, and it’s been like that on every visit since then. You handled everything from my tears to my fears and answered all my questions thoroughly and professionally. You sure had your work cut out for you with me, but you were able to come up with a plan of action that would best suit me and my needs.
I am so pleased with the results of my eye surgery. It has made a world of difference. The Botox injections and Restylane treatments that you very intricately placed have also made a world of difference. You have finally given me the help that I was so desperately seeking. The improvements to my face have not only made a difference in my appearance but have really helped to improve my emotional well-being as well. Looking better and feeling better has helped me be a better wife, mother, friend, and so on. What you have done for me is priceless.
I can honestly say you have restored my faith. I am incredibly confident that with you as my doctor, I will be able to handle the future, which, with my condition, will mean ongoing cosmetic treatments. You are the most gifted and generous doctor that I have ever known. My appreciation goes far beyond the realms of my vocabulary. So all I can really say is thank you from the bottom of my heart.
