T3 "Temporalis Tendon Transfer"

[jilljpower]

Thank you for all of your awesome advise in regards to the 7/12 nerve graft  and the T3.  I didn't know the T3 operation does not cut through the nerve.  It also seems like the T3 has really good results.  Can anyone who refer me to a Dr who does the T3?  What is healing time like?  Do they shave your hair a lot?   I am with Kaiser of Northern California and seem to be referred to only one nerve specialist.  He uses the 7/12 only...  and my nerve is still intact.  I feel like I need to really scout other Doctors.  From what I am gathering, the 7/12 should only be used if your nerve was transected (lost).
Any advice?  Thx
Jill

[Lizard]

you are smart to get another opinion.  I don't really know much, but it might be worth it for you to contact HEI, they are the supreme treatment center and should at the least be able to recommend great Dr's in your area.
Take care,
Liz

[moe]

Lori had the 7/12- her nerve had been stretched, not cut, and from her posts, you know her results so far.
So many options. Ask about the graciilis free flap surgery also
Maureen

[leapyrtwins]

Jill -

both Kaybo and Nancyann had the T3 surgery and had wonderful results.  There are before and after pictures on the Forum somewhere.

I don't have time to search now - have to get to work  - but someone should be able to find the links.

Jan

[rsteph]

You will need to be very diligent researching 7/12 and T3 doctors.  You will be lucky to find a hand full of doctors that have done more than 10 of these specialized surgeries.  Understand doctors prefer one method over the other because sometimes they can only do one method or feel more comfortable with it.  My AN surgery was performed in Dallas but  I found Dr. Klebuc at Houston Methodist Hospital before my movement returned and was probably going to have him do a nerve transfer surgery.  The website below details several surgeries for facial paralysis and has some before and after videos if you are interested.  As with all of these surgeries, the outcomes are unique to each individual.  Always ask the doctors how many they have done.

http://www.methodistfacialparalysis.com/

http://www.methodistfacialparalysis.com/smilerestoration/

[Kaybo]

Jill~
Both Nancy & I used Dr. Patrick Byrne at Johns-Hopkins for the T3 and think I can safely say that we both LOVED him!!  If I understand correctly, he pioneered the surgery and was, at the time, the only person in the country doing it.  If you do talk to him - make sure you mention our names.  He refers to everyone as "Kay from Texas" (& he would also remember that I was one of the few that had complications) and "Nancy from Florida" - LOVE that man!  I think that there are more people doing it now and also, doing other things too.  It is not a walk in the park, but not HORRIBLE either.  Much more involved than the 12/7 though.  There are pictures on my blog at end of March/first of April 2008 - I also had my eyebrows evened out (paralyzed side a different height) and a new weight put in.  Also, they take tendon from your leg to lengthen your face tendon so that has to heal too. DEFINITELY check out ALL the options!!

K  

[jilljpower]

Jill~
Both Nancy & I used Dr. Patrick Byrne at Johns-Hopkins for the T3 and think I can safely say that we both LOVED him!!  If I understand correctly, he pioneered the surgery and was, at the time, the only person in the country doing it.  If you do talk to him - make sure you mention our names.  He refers to everyone as "Kay from Texas" (& he would also remember that I was one of the few that had complications) and "Nancy from Florida" - LOVE that man!  I think that there are more people doing it now and also, doing other things too.  It is not a walk in the park, but not HORRIBLE either.  Much more involved than the 12/7 though.  There are pictures on my blog at end of March/first of April 2008 - I also had my eyebrows evened out (paralyzed side a different height) and a new weight put in.  Also, they take tendon from your leg to lengthen your face tendon so that has to heal too. DEFINITELY check out ALL the options!!

K  

Did your insurance cover Dr. Byrne? or was it out of pocket?  He looks awesome!  I hope I can go to him. Jill 

[Kaybo]

I have aetna & had no trouble what so ever...JH is in their network even though i am in Texas & he's in Maryland!!  The only thing I had to pay was the lift of my "good" eyebrow!  He is awesome & such a hottie too!

k 

[nancyann]

Hi Jill:  not sure if I answered this on another post (who can remember anything..lol..).  I had Cigna, & Dr. Byrne was out of network.  I paid him over $12,000. upfront.  After all was said & done, I got back approx $9,000.  Seems my insurance co. found out this procedure was relatively new & only a handful of doctors in the world were doing it.  So I ended up paying much less !!  And I had ALOT of extra work done on my non AN side:  blilateral face lift, brow lift, lower lid !!
He is an excellent surgeon & a wonderful human being.  Best wishes if you go to him.
Tell him 'Kay & Nancy' say "hi"
Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[KimLyle]

THis is really interesting I would def look more into this surgery if it doesnt cut the nerve.. good luck and let us know how it goes !!