Parotid Glands & Facial Paralysis

This article explores facial paralysis – a rare but significant complication associated with parotid surgery.

During parotid surgery, there is a level of risk to the facial nerve, a delicate structure that is responsible for the full scope of facial movement and muscle function control. Although most patients will undergo parotid surgery without any complications, in rare cases the facial nerve is damaged during the procedure, resulting in facial paralysis.

Facial paralysis is a loss of facial movement due to nerve damage. It typically occurs on just one side of the face and can cause a number of complications, including an asymmetrical appearance, difficulty eating or drinking, an inability to express emotion, and facial pain. In addition, facial paralysis can cause eye damage due to an inability to fully close the eyelids.

TREATMENT FOR FACIAL PARALYSIS AT THE CENTER for Advanced Parotid & Facial Nerve Surgery

As two of only a handful of specialists in the country capable of performing surgery to treat facial paralysis, Dr. Larian and Dr. Azizzadeh believe in a multi-disciplinary approach to restore both facial nerve function and the patient’s cosmetic appearance. That’s why the CENTER for Advanced Parotid & Facial Nerve Surgery is comprised of respected experts from various specialties that are singularly focused on facial nerve disorders – including facial plastic surgeons, neuro-otologists, physical therapists, head and neck surgeons, radiologists, neurosurgeons and psychologists. This approach has resulted in one of the highest levels of patient outcomes in the country, earning Dr. Larian and Dr. Azizzadeh international acclaim for the advanced treatment of facial paralysis.