Restore natural symmetry and improve function with expert treatment for eyelid and facial paralysis. Dr. David Isaacs, our dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon, offers advanced surgical solutions to address facial drooping, incomplete eyelid closure, asymmetry, excessive tearing, and blinking dysfunction. With a deep focus on both aesthetics and function, he tailors every procedure to your unique anatomy and goals.
- Eyelid & Facial Paralysis Treatments Help Treat
- Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Eyelid Paralysis Treatment
- Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Facial Paralysis Treatment
- Facelift for Facial Paralysis
- Brow Lift for Paralysis-Related Brow Droop
- Facial Slings for Smile Restoration
- Nerve Grafting and Muscle Transfers
- Schedule Your Consultation
Improve Eye Closure and
Facial Movement
Eyelid and facial paralysis occur when the facial nerve is damaged, resulting in partial or complete loss of muscle movement on one side of the face. Facial paralysis can result from various conditions, including Bell’s palsy, stroke, tumors, trauma, or surgical complications. This often leads to visible facial drooping and serious functional issues, such as incomplete eyelid closure, dry eye, excessive tearing, and difficulty with blinking, speech, or eating.
Treating facial paralysis requires highly specialized surgical expertise to restore both function and symmetry. Dr. Isaacs is an expert in oculoplastic and facial reconstructive surgery, and he offers a range of advanced techniques to address both eyelid dysfunction and facial asymmetry. Whether the paralysis is longstanding or the result of recent trauma or surgery, his personalized approach focuses on improving comfort and overall quality of life.
Eyelid & Facial Paralysis Treatments Help Treat:
- Inability to fully close one or both eyelids
- Facial drooping or asymmetry on one side
- Excessive tearing or dry eye
- Blurred vision due to poor eyelid function
- Difficulty blinking or protecting the eye
- Loss of facial expression, especially when smiling
- Slurred speech or trouble eating and drinking
- Involuntary muscle twitching or weakness
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Eyelid
Paralysis Treatment
Treating eyelid paralysis requires a precise balance between restoring function and preserving the eye’s natural appearance. Dr. Isaacs uses minimally invasive surgical techniques tailored to the degree of paralysis, eye exposure risk, and individual anatomy. His meticulous approach focuses on protecting the cornea, improving eyelid closure, and enhancing facial symmetry.
Gold or Platinum Eyelid Weights
For patients with lagophthalmos, where the upper eyelid cannot fully close, Dr. Isaacs may implant a small, custom gold or platinum weight within the upper eyelid. This leverages gravity to help the eyelid close naturally, reducing the risk of corneal exposure, dryness, and ulceration. The implant is carefully positioned to remain hidden. Platinum weights may be preferred in patients with metal sensitivities or when a lower-profile implant is desired.
Lower Eyelid Support Procedures
In cases where the lower eyelid is loose or sagging due to paralysis, Dr. Isaacs performs support procedures to restore proper eyelid positioning. These include lower eyelid tightening techniques such as canthoplasty or canthopexy, which reposition the outer corner of the eyelid to improve contact with the eye. For more extensive support, lower eyelid slings or hammock procedures may be used. These involve using either the patient’s fascia or biocompatible materials to reinforce the lower lid and prevent outward turning (ectropion).
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Facial
Paralysis Treatment
Facial paralysis can affect both function and appearance, impacting one’s ability to smile, express emotion, or maintain facial symmetry. Dr. Isaacs offers advanced treatment options for facial paralysis and asymmetry. Each surgical plan is carefully tailored to your unique facial anatomy, the severity of your paralysis, and your personal goals.
Facelift for Facial
Paralysis
In cases of partial facial paralysis, a specialized facelift can help reposition drooping tissues and restore symmetry. This helps not only to rejuvenate the face but also to rebalance the affected side with the unaffected side. By lifting the sagging cheek and jawline structures, Dr. Isaacs can enhance harmony and reduce the visual effects of paralysis.
Brow Lift for Paralysis-Related
Brow Droop
Facial paralysis frequently causes brow ptosis, where the brow droops on one side, leading to asymmetry and visual obstruction. Depending on the severity, Dr. Isaacs may recommend an endoscopic brow lift for a minimally invasive, hidden-incision approach, or a direct brow lift for more dramatic repositioning, or internal brow suspension for subtle enhancement.
Facial Slings for Smile Restoration
When paralysis affects the midface and mouth, facial slings can help restore a natural smile. Using either autologous fascia lata (harvested from the thigh) or synthetic materials, Dr. Isaacs creates a supportive sling that elevates the corner of the mouth and cheek. This improves facial symmetry and enhances the ability to smile, even in the absence of full nerve function.
Nerve Grafting and Muscle Transfers
For patients with long-standing or complete facial paralysis, more complex procedures may be necessary. Dr. Isaacs collaborates with facial reanimation specialists to perform nerve transfers, such as those from the hypoglossal or masseter nerves, or dynamic muscle transfers using the gracilis muscle. These offer the potential to restore active facial movement and expression.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the eyelids and face. With advanced training in ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery, he uses meticulous, minimally invasive techniques to restore symmetry, comfort, and eye protection in cases of facial and eyelid paralysis. Schedule your consultation in Beverly Hills to explore your options today.
