Treatment of Facial Paralysis
Dr. Azizzadeh’s Philosophy
The facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) controls the movement and expression of the facial muscles. All of our emotional signals are expressed via the facial nerve. Facial nerve paralysis is physically, aesthetically and emotionally devastating to an individual. Extensive experience and training is required to treat patients with these disorders; Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading experts in Bell’s Palsy and facial paralysis reconstruction.
Dr. Azizzadeh’s training in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Head & Neck Surgery, gives him a distinctive insight into facial nerve function and facial aesthetics. Dr. Azizzadeh also has extensive expertise in microsurgical facial reconstruction that is often required for the treatment of children and adults who are born with facial paralysis. As the Director of the Institute for Facial Paralysis and an integral member of the House Clinic’s Center for Facial Nerve Function, Dr. Azizzadeh works with world-renowned sub-specialists to provide the best possible outcome for patients with facial paralysis. He is also actively involved with the Cedars-Sinai Craniofacial team in treating pediatric patients with hemifacial microsomia, congenital facial paralysis and Mobius syndrome.
The surgical treatment of facial paralysis is extremely challenging. Many factors will influence the management of patients with paralysis. Surgical treatment must be tailored to each patient. Every patient will have different concerns and issues. Dr. Azizzadeh tailors his treatment plan depending on the following:
* Etiology of paralysis
* Degree of paralysis
* Duration of paralysis
* Patient’s age
* Patient’s state of health
* Patient’s aesthetic and functional desires
The most important treatment objective for individuals with facial paralysis is prevention of unwanted eye complications, restoration and reconstruction of facial movement, restoration of a dynamic smile, and improvement of facial aesthetics and symmetry. Dr. Azizzadeh and his team of facial plastic surgeons, head & neck surgeons, ophthalmologists, neuro-otologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists and physical therapists utilize a systematic approach to reach these objectives.
* Aesthetically
o Create symmetry of the face, eyes, and brows
o Re-create the patient’s dynamic smile
* Functionally
o Improve oral incompetence
o Improve eyelid irritation
o Prevent corneal damage
o Improve nasal breathing
o Improve synkinesis
www.facialparalysisinstitute.com
- Status
- Private Company