For patients who have permanent weakness or paralysis of the
muscles that are used in facial expression, Duke’s surgeons and
other specialists work together to restore facial expression,
especially the ability to smile.
Specialists from plastic surgery, speech therapy, and
physical therapy provide a coordinated effort to patients, many
of whom travel from a distance to receive the comprehensive
care offered at Duke.
Children
A child with congenital facial paralysis is
born with complete paralysis of muscles of facial expression on
one or both sides. This extremely rare condition can now be
treated with high expectations.
Such paralysis can occur alone or as part of a syndrome such
as Moebius Syndrome. Whatever the cause, Duke’s program can
help.
Adults
In adults, partial or total paralysis can
be caused by infections such as Bell’s palsy, local growths and
tumors on the face, tumors within or adjacent to the brain such
as an acoustic neuroma, or injury to the facial nerve or to the
facial muscles themselves.
Surgery
Duke’s surgeons have experience and success in surgery to
help create a symmetrical smile and improve speech.
One nerve controls the muscles of the mouth, forehead,
eyelids, and nose. When this nerve is damaged, all aspects of
the facial expression, including the smile, are affected.
Surgery can restore the ability to smile and also support
those other muscles, to improve facial expression.
The surgery may involve nerve grafts as well as transferring
living muscle tissue from elsewhere in the body.
For appointments, patients should call the office of Dr.
Marcus, 919-684-6740.
Locations
This service is available at:
