Facial Palsy Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lymphedema is a condition characterised by painful swelling in the extremities. The swelling occurs when lymph nodes are no longer facilitating the proper drainage of lymph fluid from an area of the body. Primary lymphedema is a congenital condition; however, secondary lymphedema is the most common type of lymphedema. This condition may be caused by infection, trauma or, most commonly, treatment of cancer.
Facial palsy reconstruction is also known as 'Facial Reanimation'. The modern reconstruction technique uses a working muscle like temporalis from the temple or a gracilis muscle transplant from patients’ thigh. Also, sometimes tough tissue called “fascia lata” is used from the patients’ thigh as suspension slings for the face.
Temporalis muscle transfer with a combination of facelift techniques is a powerful single-stage procedure capable of reversing most of the facial palsy features. For better eye closure, the lower eyelid sling is tightened and sometimes the outer side suspended and adhered to the upper eyelid corner called lateral tarsorrhaphy.
Every procedure involves inherent risks. Although serious complications are extremely rare, Dr. Date educates every patient about potential risks.
Those risks can include scarring, the opening of the wound, discomfort for several days, bruising around the surgical sites, infection, bleeding, skin necrosis and general anaesthesia-related issues.