About Facial Nerve Repair
Key Highlights
-
Restores facial muscle movement and symmetry.Can significantly improve quality of life and self-esteem.Helps protect the eye by restoring blink reflex and eyelid closure.May improve speech articulation and oral competence.Utilizes advanced microsurgical techniques for precision.Offers the potential for natural, spontaneous facial expressions over time./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic injury to the facial nerve from accidents or fractures.
- Iatrogenic injury during surgeries for acoustic neuroma, parotid tumors, or other head/neck procedures.
- Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome with no recovery after extensive conservative treatment.
- Tumor compression or invasion of the facial nerve.
- Congenital facial paralysis.
- Infections (e.g., Lyme disease, otitis media) causing severe nerve damage.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological and otological examination to assess nerve function.
- Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to visualize the nerve pathway and identify the injury site.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to evaluate the extent of nerve damage.
- Discussion of surgical goals, techniques (e.g., graft vs. transfer), and realistic expectations.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Incomplete recovery of facial function or persistent weakness.
- Synkinesis (involuntary muscle movements accompanying voluntary ones).
- Numbness or altered sensation in the donor graft area (e.g., leg, neck).
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Scarring at the incision sites.
- Potential need for additional revision surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring and pain management.
- Head elevation and careful wound care to reduce swelling.
- Medications for pain, inflammation, and infection prevention.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Initiation of facial physical therapy and neuromuscular re-education exercises as guided by the surgeon.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor nerve regeneration via clinical exams and possibly repeat EMG.
- Patience is crucial, as visible signs of recovery (like a twitch) may take 3-6 months, with continued improvement for up to 18-24 months.
- Use of protective eyewear and artificial tears if eyelid function is impaired.
-
Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
-
Expected recovery time: 12-18 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering facial nerve repair in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for facial nerve repair in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform facial nerve repair. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for facial nerve repair compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Facial Nerve Repair in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing facial nerve repair.
At my age, you worry about...
At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.
Neurosurgeons for Facial Nerve Repair
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform facial nerve repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara