next step to do after 5-7 nerve transfer if not satisfied?

[stephanie23]

hello everyone!!!

i have had the masseter-facial nerve transfer 5 months ago and i can now do a little grin with my mouth closed with a lot of effort (bitting down). i just wanted to ask if anyone here did the 12-7 anastomosis or the masseter-facial nerve transfer and is still not happy with the results, whats the next surgery to do?

i am very happy to smile , even just a little bit but i was wondering if there was another surgery that can provide you a spontaneous toothy smile again that can be combined with the masseter -facial nerve transfer like cross facial nerve grafts or a gracilis muscle flap? or t3 even?


thank you

[alabamajane]

My Dr suggested the gracilis free flap gives the best results in his opinion for a better smile. I have not elected to proceed with anything though at this point ( almost 4 yrs post surgery and 12/7 graft).. Will see him again next month for 4 yr MRI.

He suggested Tessa Hadlock I believe it is at Harvard or Mass. Ear as an expert to consult or look up. He has seen her work.

Good luck to you,,

Jane

[stephanie23]

dear alabamajane,

Did your facial tone improve? is the droopiness gone? and can you close your eye?

[Kerrybr92]

I did not need to have any of these surgeries but I do have facial paralysis.  I have been treated by Tessa Hadlock at Mass Eye and Ear.  She is amazing.  She absolutely knows her stuff.  I would recommend a consult with her if it is possible for you.

[alabamajane]

Kerry, I am glad to hear from someone who has seen Dr Hadlock. I,was told she was phenomenal in this area.
I had to have 12/7 graft done due to nerve being severed. There was no way for improvement without it.

Stephanie,, I do have wonderful tone with VERY minor droop. My husband says I am too critical of my results though,,, ,,, to look at me, you can not tell I have the paralysis until I speak or smile. My smile is still not full "open mouth" smile but I can get corner up some closed mouth. Speaking is not perfect,, I like to say I talk like a pirate,, out side of mouth,,, but I did not have speech therapy either...overall I am pretty happy with results and Drs are too. My eye closes good. I did have the weight in it for a year after surgeries but since having it out I really don't have much trouble with it. I occasionally use Systane gel drops during the day but have discontinued using nighttime ointment,, which is really nice!!

Good luck, let me know if I can answer anything else or PM me if you like.

Jane

[ks1121]

I just had a facial nerve hemangioma removed from Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Hadlock performed a 5-7 nerve transfer on me. The surgery was just over two weeks ago, so I'm not seeing any results yet, but I do highly recommend Dr. Hadlock if you are looking for an expert. Not only was she the only doctor who was willing to consider that I had something other than Bells Palsy and finally diagnose me, but she is someone who seems to have countless tricks up her sleeve and won't rest until I can smile again.

Good luck!

[stephanie23]

hi kr1121,

i have just sent you a pm but in case,

i had the 5-7 transfer 6 months ago and my smile is a lot better. but the facial tone doesnt seem to get better. did your doctor tell you that it also helps with the droopinees???