Facial Paralysis treatment in NJ & Philly
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and expert in facial reanimation, offers treatment for facial paralysis in New Jersey and Philadelphia. Causes of facial paralysis include inflammation, infection, trauma, stroke, tumors, or facial nerve diseases, which can severely affect expressions and vital functions. Even in irreversible cases, Dr. Yamasaki’s personalized treatments can help restore movement and symmetry, making her a leading choice for facial paralysis care in the region.
Experience the Excellence of Dr. Yamasaki, Harvard-Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Facial Paralysis Treatment Overview
- Facial paralysis treatment can significantly improve facial movement, emotional expression, facial pain, and vital functions such as smiling, eating, speaking, blinking, and closing the eyes
- Ideal candidates for facial paralysis treatment are individuals who have difficulty moving the facial muscles on one or both sides of their face due to facial nerve damage
- Non-surgical treatments for facial paralysis include corticosteroids, antivirals, chemodenervation (i.e., Botox injections), and physical/speech/occupational therapy.
- Surgical treatments for facial paralysis include eyelid surgery, brow surgery, static sling surgery for facial support, facial reanimation surgery, selective facial nerve neurectomy, and facial advancement
- Facial paralysis treatment in New Jersey and Philadelphia varies significantly based on factors such as the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and selected treatment approach, though facial paralysis often involves significant functional impairments and therefore is often covered by insurance
- The results of facial paralysis treatment include improved facial movement, emotional expression, and non-verbal communication
Facing the daily challenges of facial paralysis can be overwhelming. However, there are ways to help improve your facial functioning, facial balance, and quality of life. Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon in New Jersey and Philadelphia, has specific expertise in facial paralysis treatment and offers advanced solutions to help restore facial movement and symmetry.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Facial Paralysis Treatment
What is Facial Palsy or Facial Paralysis?
Facial palsy is a medical condition characterized by the loss of voluntary muscle movement on one or both sides of the face. When there is a complete loss of facial movement, this is referred to as facial paralysis. Facial palsy occurs when there is damage to the facial nerve, also known as Cranial Nerve 7, which controls the muscles of the face. In some instances such as stroke, damage to the brain can also lead to facial weakness and loss of facial muscle function.
The severity of facial palsy can range from mild weakness to complete loss of facial movement. Symptoms may include:
- Drooping of one side of the face
- Inability to close the eye or blink
- Loss of facial expression
- Inability to smile
- Difficulty with speaking or eating
- Drooling
- Altered sense of taste
- Pain around the jaw, face, or ear
Causes of Facial Palsy
Facial palsy, or facial paralysis, can be caused by various factors that temporarily or permanently damage or impair the facial nerve. Causes of facial palsy include:
- Bell’s Palsy (sudden loss of facial movement on one side of the face), which is the most common cause of facial palsy
- Stroke (due to disrupted blood flow to the brain)
- Physical trauma or injury to the face or skull
- Ear surgery, skull base surgery, and facial surgery
- infections such as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Herpes Zoster Oticus), Lyme disease, and middle ear infections
- Tumors compressing the facial nerve
- Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Congenital conditions such as Mobius syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis and vasculitis
Identifying the specific cause is important for effective treatment and management.
Facial Nerve Synkinesis
Even in cases of temporary facial nerve injury or infection, there can be permanent changes to facial nerve function due to abnormal regrowth of the facial nerve after it has recovered from the initial damage. This causes a condition called facial nerve synkinesis. In facial nerve synkinesis, unintended facial muscle movements occur simultaneously with voluntary movements due to miswiring of the facial nerve. This can causes a sensation of severe facial tightness and can also be associated with facial pain. This can happen after conditions such as Bell’s Palsy and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Diagnosing Facial Palsy
The diagnosis of facial paralysis involves a physical examination by an experienced specialist to determine the involved facial nerve branches and/or facial muscles and the severity of injury. Imaging studies such as MRI, CT scan, and blood work may also be needed to help determine the underlying cause of the paralysis.
Dr. Yamasaki satisfied my every need
“I was feeling so much pressure in my sinuses and Dr. Yamasaki satisfied my every need and answered every question I had regarding my sinus issues. She made the whole process quick and painless. 10 out of 10 would come back and see her again if and when I have any issues.”
Grace DiSimoni
Ideal Candidates for Facial Paralysis Treatment
The ideal candidates for facial paralysis treatment are individuals who have difficulty moving some or all muscles on one or both sides of the face. This could result from various causes, such as infection, inflammation, trauma/surgery, tumors, stroke, autoimmune conditions, and neurologic disorders. The available treatment options will depend on the severity of facial palsy, the anticipated recovery, and the overall health of the patient.
Non-surgical Treatments for Facial Paralysis
Recovering from Facial Paralysis
Surgical Treatments for Facial Paralysis
Before & After Facial Paralysis Treatment
Cost of Facial Paralysis Treatment in New Jersey & Philadelphia
The cost of facial paralysis treatment in New Jersey and Philadelphia can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and the chosen treatment method. The cost of treatment is often covered by insurance when considered medically necessary.
Dr. Yamasaki’s office will help to determine your insurance coverage for the facial palsy procedures or surgeries you may require.
Facial Paralysis Treatment Results
The results of facial paralysis treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause, severity, and chosen treatment method. Patients may experience significant improvements in facial movement, smiling, facial expression, facial pain, and critical facial functions such as blinking, eye closure, speaking, and eating. It is important to remember that recovery can be gradual, and some patients may require ongoing therapies and treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki and her team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals so that you can regain facial function and improve your quality of life.
Why Choose Dr. Alisa Yamasaki for Your Facial Paralysis Treatment?
- Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and Board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- B.A. from Dartmouth College and M.D. from Harvard Medical School
- Residency training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and leading Harvard hospitals
- Renowned fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Michigan, known for its facial paralysis treatment and facial skin cancer reconstruction
- Author of numerous scientific articles, textbook chapters, and conference presentations, including book chapters on facial reanimation and facial paralysis treatment
Request a Consultation for Facial Paralysis
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, MD, is a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Her expertise is in procedures including facial paralysis surgery, and she has written book chapters on the topic. She also has extensive experience in rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, neck lift, brow lift, dermal filler, and neuromodulator injections in New Jersey & Philadelphia.
If you or a loved one is experiencing facial paralysis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alisa Yamasaki. She will discuss your concerns, provide a thorough evaluation, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and priorities. Together, you can work towards restoring facial function and improving your quality of life.