Management of Flaccid Facial Paralysis of Less Than Two Years' Duration

Abstract

Flaccid facial paralysis results in disfiguring facial changes. The treatment of flaccid facial paralysis is complex and treatment approaches should be determined based on duration and the causes of paralysis, status and accessibility of the affected facial nerve, medical comorbidities, and patient-specific goals. Although primary nerve repair is the preferred treatment strategy when possible, nerve substitution procedures are the mainstay of treatment for patients with flaccid facial paralysis of less than 2 years duration.

Keywords: Facial palsy; Facial paralysis; Facial reanimation; Facial reinnervation; Nerve grafting.