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    What Causes Facial Nerve Disorders?

    Facial nerve disorders can cause weakness, paralysis, or involuntary movements—typically affecting one side of the face. These conditions may appear suddenly, as with Bell’s palsy (which accounts for up to 75% of facial paralysis cases), or they may result from trauma, stroke, surgery, or congenital conditions like Moebius Syndrome (a rare condition present at birth that causes facial paralysis and limited eye movement). At The Institute of Florida, our surgical team specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of facial nerve disorders, including:

    • Bell’s Palsy
    • Facial Paralysis
    • Facial Nerve Injury
    • Hemifacial Spasm
    • Moebius Syndrome
    • Synkinesis

    Watch The Video to Learn More 

    Get Evaluated
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    Check Your Symptoms: Are You Experiencing Any of the Following?

    • Uneven smile or drooping facial muscles
    • Difficulty blinking or closing one eye
    • Uncontrolled twitching or facial spasms
    • Involuntary movements during facial expressions (synkinesis)
    • Eye dryness, speech changes, or social discomfort

    If you said yes to any of the above, you may be a candidate for facial reanimation surgery.

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    What is Facial Reanimation Surgery?

    Facial reanimation surgery isn’t a single procedure—it’s an umbrella term for a range of advanced surgical techniques designed to restore facial movement, expression, and symmetry after paralysis. At The Institute of Florida, our team of nationally recognized nerve surgeons specializes in these highly individualized treatments, offering some of the most sophisticated options available anywhere in the country.
    Cross-Facial Nerve Grafting
    Gracilis Muscle Transfer
    Temporalis Muscle Transposition
    Nerve Repair or Neurolysis

    Transfers nerve signals from the healthy side of the face to the paralyzed side using a donor nerve. Often combined with muscle transfer for dynamic facial movement. Ideal for long-term or congenital paralysis.

    Microsurgical procedure using a thigh muscle to recreate smile function. Especially effective in patients with longstanding facial paralysis or Moebius Syndrome. Most patients see strong, natural movement return over time.

    Uses your own chewing muscle (temporalis) to help restore facial expression. A reliable option when nerves are no longer repairable—often provides faster results with fewer stages.

    Reattaches or decompresses injured facial nerves. Best suited for early-stage trauma or surgical injuries. Can restore voluntary movement when performed within months of injury.

    Find Out If You’re Eligible for Facial Nerve Surgery in Florida
    Schedule an Evaluation

    See How We’re Changing Lives,
One Patient at a Time

    Popi’s Facial Reanimation Story
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    “I immediately knew that he would be the doctor I would trust with this procedure.”

    What Are the Benefits of Facial Nerve Surgery?

    Facial Nerve Disorders (T2) - icons_icon-smiley-face
    Regain the ability to smile with symmetry and natural emotion
    Facial Nerve Disorders (T2) - icons_icon-face-winking
    Blink and close your eye comfortably to protect vision and prevent dryness
    Facial Nerve Disorders (T2) - icons_icon-down-arrow
    Reduce unwanted twitching or tightness caused by nerve misfiring (synkinesis)
    Facial Nerve Disorders (T2) - icons_icon-camera
    Restore confidence in photos, conversation, and everyday social moments

    Am I a Candidate for Facial Reanimation Surgery?

    If you’ve been told there are no more treatment options—or it’s been over a year since your diagnosis—you may still be a candidate. At The Institute of Florida, we specialize in facial reanimation procedures for patients with complex or long-standing paralysis, including cases once considered untreatable. Our team evaluates each case individually to determine the most effective path forward.

    You may be a strong candidate if you have:

    • Bell’s Palsy that hasn’t improved after 3+ months
    • Facial paralysis following trauma or surgery
    • Involuntary facial movements (synkinesis) after partial recovery
    • Lifelong or long-standing facial paralysis, including congenital cases
    Find Out If You Qualify
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    misdiagnosed

    Why Are Facial Nerve Disorders Often Misdiagnosed?

    Facial nerve disorders can be challenging to diagnose—especially in the early stages. Many patients are initially told their symptoms will resolve on their own, particularly in cases of Bell’s palsy. Others may be referred across multiple specialties without answers, as symptoms like facial tightness, asymmetry, or involuntary movement are often misattributed to non-neurologic causes.

    While early intervention is ideal, surgical solutions may still be effective months or even years later. We support both patients and referring providers by offering specialized evaluations, diagnostic clarity, and advanced facial reanimation procedures—many of which are not widely available—right here in Florida.

    misdiagnosed

    Considering Facial Reanimation Surgery? What To Expect:

    Precision Diagnostics

    Your evaluation starts with a careful look at how your face moves—using photos, simple movement tests, and a review of your medical history. We’ll also use advanced tools like MRI scans and EMG testing to understand how well your facial muscles and nerves are working. This helps us build a surgical plan that fits your exact condition and timeline.

    Tailored Surgery

    Surgical options depend on how long the paralysis has been present and whether any nerve function remains. In acute cases, direct nerve repair may be possible within hours of injury. For patients within 12–24 months, nerve grafting or transfers can often restore voluntary movement. In long-standing or congenital cases, techniques like muscle transposition or free muscle transfer are used to recreate natural expression. Every treatment plan is personalized based on your anatomy, symptoms, and goals—whether that’s regaining a spontaneous smile, improving eye closure, or restoring facial balance.

    Rapid Recovery

    Most surgeries are outpatient or require brief observation. Early improvements may begin within weeks, but full functional gains typically appear over 6–12 months. Ongoing therapy (e.g., facial retraining, speech support) may be recommended as part of your long-term recovery.

    Why Trust The Institute of Florida

    Why Trust The Institute of Florida-Jun-11-2025-03-01-14-5012-AM

    Nation-Leading Experience in Facial Reanimation Surgery

    We’ve treated over 400 patients with complex facial paralysis—including challenging cases of Bell’s palsy, post-surgical injuries, and rare congenital conditions like Moebius Syndrome. Many of our patients come to us after exhausting other options elsewhere.

    Every Proven Reanimation Technique, in One Place

    From cross-facial nerve grafting and gracilis free muscle transfer to neurolysis and temporalis muscle transposition, we offer the full spectrum of facial reanimation procedures. Each plan is tailored to your unique anatomy, timeline, and goals—whether the injury is recent or decades old.

    Advanced Diagnostics to Guide Precision Surgery

    Accurate diagnosis drives successful outcomes. Our team uses electromyography (EMG), dynamic MRI, and expert facial grading systems to evaluate nerve and muscle viability—ensuring every surgical plan is built on clear, objective data.

    Meet Florida’s Top Nerve Surgery Experts

    Chris Lakhiani, MD, FACS
    Chris Lakhiani, MD, FACS
    • 300 + Pelvic & Peripheral Nerve Reconstructions
    • National Lecturer On Pudendal Neuralgia
    Read Bio
    Ahmed Nasser, MD
    Ahmed Nasser, MD
    • 150+ Occipital Nerve and Diaphragm Procedures
    • Specialist in Complex Nerve Compression Syndromes
    Read Bio
    Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA
    Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA
    • 250+ Flap Transfers
    • Pioneer In Lymphatic Surgery For Breast Cancer Survivors
    Read Bio
    Tzvi Small, MD, FACS
    Tzvi Small, MD, FACS
    • 300+ Core and Pelvic Nerve Procedures
    • National Leader in Sports Hernia and Pudendal Neuralgia Surgery
    Read Bio

    There’s Still Time to Restore Movement. Let’s Rebuild Your Smile

    If you’ve been told there’s nothing more to do, let us take another look. Our Florida nerve specialists are here to evaluate your case and help you move forward—with clarity and confidence.

    Now seeing patients in Ft. Lauderdale and Boynton Beach.

    Book a Consult

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When should I consider surgery after Bell’s Palsy?
    If symptoms haven’t improved after 3 to 6 months, it’s time for a surgical evaluation. Early interventions like nerve repair are time-sensitive, but many reanimation procedures—such as nerve transfers—can remain effective up to 18–24 months post-onset.
    Can surgery help if my facial paralysis began years ago?

    Yes. Long-standing facial paralysis can often be treated with procedures like gracilis muscle transfer or temporalis muscle transposition. These approaches are designed for cases where the native nerve is no longer viable.

    Is treatment painful or invasive?

    Most facial reanimation procedures are performed under general anesthesia, with minimal post-operative discomfort. Many are outpatient, and recovery is well tolerated with standard pain management.

    Will there be visible scarring after facial nerve surgery?

    In most cases, scarring is minimal. Our surgeons use advanced microsurgical techniques and place incisions in natural skin creases when possible to keep scars discreet. Over time, most patients find scars fade significantly.

    Will Bell’s palsy go away on its own?

    For many people, Bell’s palsy improves over time—often within 3 to 6 months. However, if symptoms persist beyond that point or worsen, it may signal long-term nerve damage. Early evaluation can help determine if additional treatment is needed.

    What’s the difference between Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis?

    Bell’s palsy is one of the most common causes of facial paralysis, typically caused by temporary inflammation of the facial nerve. “Facial paralysis” is a broader term that includes other causes like trauma, surgery, stroke, or congenital conditions.

    Does synkinesis get worse over time?

    Synkinesis—unintended facial movements during normal expressions—may become more noticeable as the nerve recovers incorrectly. While it doesn’t usually worsen on its own, it often doesn’t improve without treatment. Surgical and physical therapy options are available to reduce symptoms.

    Am I too late for facial reanimation surgery?

    Not necessarily. While early intervention offers the best outcomes, many patients benefit from surgery even months or years after their initial diagnosis. Our team specializes in long-standing and previously untreated cases.

    What kinds of tests will I need before surgery?
    You may undergo a combination of high-resolution MRI, electromyography (EMG), and clinical facial grading to evaluate nerve function and determine the best surgical approach.
    How long until I see results?
    Results vary by procedure. Some patients notice early changes within weeks, while full improvement in movement and symmetry can take 6 to 12 months—especially for muscle transfers or staged surgeries.
    Will facial reanimation restore a full smile?
    Outcomes vary depending on the procedure and how long the paralysis has been present, but many patients regain meaningful, spontaneous smile function—especially when treated within the optimal time window.