Central PA Medicine Fall 2020 - 16

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Figure 1. Patient with a complete right facial paralysis smiling.
A. After multiple static procedures with persistent cosmetic and
functional deficits. B. After a two-staged facial reanimation to
bring new muscle into the right face. Additional minor procedures are still required to optimize results.
muscles. For example, clenching the teeth on one side may cause
the lip to go up, forming a smile. Eventually, with practice, the
smiling motion comes naturally to them.
Mary practiced the exercises at home in the mirror. " One day
I started to see my teeth for the first time when I was trying to
smile. That's how I knew it was working. For a while there, I
forgot I had teeth! "
Mary has come such a long way. " I am so much more comfortable socializing and going out in the community. " Although
Mary has made great progress, there are still further surgeries
to undergo to optimize her results. Future surgeries will assist
with decreasing the bulk in the cheek and further improving
her facial symmetry.
" I am ecstatic with the results thus far. The surgery was life changing. "
Reanimation surgery can help patients to regain function
and reintegrate into society. Mary's story is just one of many
affecting patients with facial paralysis. It is important to increase
awareness about the possible treatments for facial paralysis and
the existence of facial nerve clinics, so patients, like Mary, can
find the resources to help with their condition.

REFERENCES
1. Pothiawala S, Lateef F. Bilateral facial nerve palsy: a diagnostic dilemma.
Case reports in emergency medicine. 2012;2012.
2. Saadi R, Shokri T, Schaefer E, Hollenbeak C, Lighthall JG. Depression rates
after facial paralysis. Annals of plastic surgery. 2019 Aug 1;83(2):190-4.

Publishing Group

hoffpubs.com
16 Fall 2020 Central PA Medicine

3. Seiff SR, Carter SR. Facial nerve paralysis. International ophthalmology clinics. 2002 Apr 1;42(2):103-12.

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Central PA Medicine Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central PA Medicine Fall 2020