Facial paralysis can have a profound effect on both appearance and quality of life. Whether the result of Bell’s palsy, trauma, a tumor, or congenital causes, the loss of facial movement impacts not just how someone looks, but also how they eat, speak, blink, and express emotion. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, in Atlanta, we specialize in advanced facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to restore balance, improve function, and help patients regain confidence.
Understanding Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve, responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, is damaged or non-functional. This can affect one or both sides of the face and may cause:
- Drooping of the mouth
- Inability to smile or frown symmetrically
- Incomplete eyelid closure
- Flattened nasolabial fold
- Difficulty with eating or speaking
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, about 40,000 Americans are affected by Bell’s palsy each year alone. For some, the effects are temporary. But for many others, long-term or permanent changes in facial movement can occur.
Why Symmetry Matters
Facial symmetry is essential to how we communicate and are perceived by others. Even subtle imbalances caused by nerve damage can create major psychological and social distress. In fact, studies show that facial asymmetry is one of the first things others notice, and patients often feel misunderstood or self-conscious as a result.
Surgical Options for Restoring Facial Balance
Because each case of facial paralysis is different, customized treatment is essential. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Benjamin Stong, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, provides a comprehensive approach using a combination of procedures to restore symmetry and function.
Surgical and non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Static suspension techniques (e.g., fascia lata grafts) to lift and support sagging tissue
- Cross-facial nerve grafts or nerve transfers to reanimate muscles on the paralyzed side
- Selective muscle transfers (such as temporalis or gracilis) for smile restoration
- Upper eyelid weight implants to assist with blinking
- Brow lifts or facelifts to address asymmetry caused by drooping soft tissue
- Botox and fillers to rebalance muscle activity and volume on both sides
These procedures often require extreme precision and experience, especially when nerve repair or muscle transfer is involved. Dr. Stong is one of the few surgeons in Atlanta and the Southeastern U.S. with this level of specialization in facial nerve-related surgery.
Compassionate Care in the Atlanta Area
From Buckhead to Midtown to Sandy Springs, patients travel across Georgia and beyond to seek care at our Atlanta facial plastic surgery practice. We provide in-depth consultations, realistic expectations, and the full support you need to navigate this deeply personal journey.
Whether your facial paralysis is new or longstanding, there is hope for improvement. Facial plastic surgery can dramatically improve not just your appearance, but your ability to interact with the world.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Dr. Stong can help restore facial symmetry and confidence through expert surgical care.
