There are 43 muscles in the face that are controlled by various nerves, with most stemming from the main cranial nerve. When an injury or health condition interferes with these muscles and nerves, facial paralysis can occur. For those living with facial paralysis, there can be a wide variety of devastating consequences, from physical functional impairments to emotional and psychological impact. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD, is one of the leading experts in addressing facial paralysis. He does this through effective surgical and non-surgical methods to give his patients with facial paralysis a better quality of life.
Dr. Rosenberg is a respected dual board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in facial paralysis treatment. On top of his many accolades and accomplishments in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, he has lent his expertise in helping those with facial paralysis. He was a founding member of Mount Sinai’s Facial Nerve Paralysis Program, a unique and effective multidisciplinary approach to treating facial paralysis. Few facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons have the level of experience and training needed for this specialized area of cosmetic surgery, and it is a distinction that makes Dr. Rosenberg elite in his field.
Types of Facial Paralysis Conditions
Facial paralysis is caused by various factors and can affect people of all ages. Injuries and trauma can damage nerves in the facial area, impacting muscle movement that is needed for the eyes, mouth and jaw. Medical conditions like infections and certain cancers in the neck and head area can affect the nerves and cause paralysis. Most commonly, facial paralysis is caused by Bell’s palsy. In addition to limited facial movement, those with facial paralysis are prone to synkinesis, which is involuntary facial muscle movements and spasms.
Dr. Rosenberg has worked with patients suffering from facial paralysis for a wide variety of reasons and offers effective treatment options. Some of the conditions he treats include:
- Acoustic Neuroma and Facial Palsy
- Bell’s Palsy
- Cranial Nerve Transfer
- Cross Face Nerve Grafting
- Facial Nerve Palsy
- Gracilis Muscle Transfer
- Head and Neck Cancer and Facial Palsy
- Moebius Syndrome
- Paralyzed Eyelid Surgery
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
- Selective Neurolysis
- Smile Surgery
- Synkinesis/Facial Spasm
With facial paralysis, every patient is unique and may require a customized treatment plan to obtain the best results. Dr. Rosenberg works closely with his patients and their medical team to find the treatment options that will offer the most benefit for function and aesthetics. With the right surgery and treatments, many patients with facial paralysis can vastly improve their ability to control their facial expressions and achieve a more balanced appearance.
Effects of Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis can have detrimental effects on health, appearance and quality of life. Patients may have uncontrollable muscle spasms that make them feel uncomfortable in social situations. They may not be able to control how they smile or create other balanced facial expressions. For some, an eye may not close, putting them at risk for serious medical conditions and blindness. Treatment through surgery and other therapies can help minimize the negative effects to give patients the chance to live life to the fullest.
Dr. Rosenberg is known for his compassion and dedication to helping patients by using his skills and expertise. For those with facial paralysis, he is one of the best surgeons in this specialized field when individuals want to explore surgical and other treatment options. Dr. Rosenberg has a office in NYC and another in Upper East Side, where he offers his services to those seeking medical or cosmetic solutions for their facial paralysis.
If you or a family member want to learn more about your options for treating facial nerve damage or paralysis, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenberg.
