Author Topic: will 5-7 nerve transfer help restore facial tone and symmetry at rest after time  (Read 2676 times)

stephanie23

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  • Facial paralysis- 5/7 nerve transfer
hello everyone,

i just had a 5-7 transfer nearly 6 months ago and im worried because my facial tone hasnt improved at all , its still very assymmetrical at rest and it bugs me a lot. :( has anyone done the same procedure and had good efffects? thanks

alabamajane

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Hi Stephanie23,,
I think I have responded to you previously,, but if not,, yes I had that graft 4 yrs ago.

I saw VERY small movement at about 6 mo.,,, the Dr told me 12-18 mo for most of the results. But I have had results up to this day. I see little changes still. But most of the major changes to tone and cheek movement was by about 2 years. 

You just have to be patient as you can not hurry the regeneration process. Keep pushing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and trying to make small natural movements. Small smiles, try to raise your eyes ( you may not get much eyebrow movement back though,, I haven't) , you will see your cheek raise after a bit,,, it will come! Don't be too forceful though at first as it can lead to synkinesis ( incorrect nerve signals) and movements you don't want. Soft facial massage, by you, to kinda push face up in direction you want it to go,, not hard,, these are just things I did,,, I did NOT see a facial reanimation specialist who may disagree with my suggestions!

Good luck and hang in there!! You will see small changes soon ,,,,,,

Jane
translab Oct 27, 2011
facial nerve graft Oct 31,2011, eyelid weight removed Oct 2013, eye closes well

BAHA surgery Oct. 2014, activated Dec. 26

stephanie23

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  • Facial paralysis- 5/7 nerve transfer
hello alabamajane,

i think you are talking about the 12-7 transfer, but i did the 5-7 tranfer (masseter to facial nerve anastomosis)

alabamajane

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Oops,, sorry.  I had never heard of using that nerve.
I do hope you begin to see results soon though!!

Jane
translab Oct 27, 2011
facial nerve graft Oct 31,2011, eyelid weight removed Oct 2013, eye closes well

BAHA surgery Oct. 2014, activated Dec. 26