Hi Jill.
I had the 7/12 done at about 18 months post-op. I was being optimistic that my facial nerve would come back on it's own, but that just wasn't happening.
It seems that the 7/12 would be the first choice of surgery, as it's a much easier one to do and usually has good results. It's when things don't quite work out that they seem to move on to bigger things, such as the surgery Moe mentioned.
I had, and am still having, good results from my graft. I do not have my big smile back, but I am having some issues with very tight muscles in my chin and lower lower lip area that are hindering the movement. That will be addressed at a doctor's appointment next month and I expect we'll come up with a plan to make that better. I don't expect to have more than a decent closed-mouth smile, but that will be okay with me. I can almost blink now and can close my eye almost all the way. I would suggest you find out what the doctor would grade your facial paralysis right now. They usually use the House-Brackmann scale (1-6, with 6 being no movement). I was a 5 prior to surgery and was told that I should be able to get back to at least a 3 after the graft, so I didn't have much to lose. That might help you decide if the surgery is right for you.
I miss being able to smile big at the general public too, but I've found that even with only half of a good smile, I can still get my point across and people know when I'm smiling (or not smiling
). Michelle, I don't think the facial nerve is severed for the graft, but I wouldn't swear to it. Good question for the doc though!
Good luck Jill!
Lori