Facial Palsy (Facial muscle weakness)

Mr Mohammed-Ali is one of the leading experts in treating patients with problems arising from facial weakness. The treatment he offers ranges from Botox injections to help with asymmetry, synkinesis, hemifacial spasms to static and dynamic facial reanimation surgery.

Treating patients with facial weakness forms a significant part of his NHS practice at the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and he is also involved in research to improve the quality of life of patients with facial weakness.

Facial Palsy (Weakness of the muscles of the face)

The facial nerve is responsible for the movement and control of muscle function in the face. Facial paralysis is the unfortunate end product of a large series of complex disorders. Causes may include acquired and congenital conditions.

Acquired facial paralysis is usually the result of the following:

Traumatic injury
Brain tumor or facial tumor removal
Surgery for acoustic neuromas or other malformations
Stroke
Infection
Bell’s Palsy

Congenital Facial Paralysis is usually the result of the following:

Moebius Syndrome
Craniofacial Microsomia
C.H.A.R.G.E Syndrome

Innovative surgical techniques are now available to restore the paralyzed face. The goals of facial paralysis surgery include protecting the eye, preventing drooling and re-establishing facial symmetry both in motion and at rest.
The surgical approach is customized to the individual patient and is influenced by the cause and duration of the paralysis along with the condition of the facial nerve. The use of advanced surgical techniques carefully tailored to the individual can provide a meaningful recovery for many patients living with facial paralysis.

The following factors are considered when diagnosing facial paralysis:

The cause of the paralysis
Degree or severity of paralysis
Duration of symptoms
Patient age
General state of health
Each of these is important for creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

The following are some procedures that can be used to correct facial paralysis:

Static procedures
Fascial slings secure the position of the mouth and corner of the nose.
Facelift for improved symmetry.
Brow lift for correction of ptosis.
Soft-tissue restoration by lipodermal grafts and fat grafting.
Facial implants.
Lip enhancement
Botox for asymmetries, facial synkinesis and muscle spasms.
Oculoplastic procedures

Gold weights to improve eye closure
Blepharoplasty , Lateral tarsorraphy, Canthopexy & Canthoplasty.
Lower eyelid fascial sling.
Treatment for atrophy and hollowness.

Facial reanimation

First stage: cross-facial nerve graft.

Second stage (6-9 months later): transplantation of muscle tissue (free functional muscle transfer) harvested from the pectoralis minor muscle, the gracilis muscle or the latissimus dorsi muscle.

For more information contact 07774571074