Facial Nerve Grafting or Repair

Facial nerve grafting or repair (2)

Nerve Repair for Facial Symmetry

Facial nerve grafting or repair restores continuity to a damaged or transected facial nerve—often injured during tumor resection or trauma—to recover voluntary movement and facial symmetry. Techniques include:

  • Direct End-to-End Anastomosis when nerve ends can be approximated without tension,
  • Interposition Grafting using sensory nerves (e.g., sural nerve) to bridge gaps, and
  • Nerve Transfers (e.g., hypoglossal–facial) when proximal stumps are unavailable.

Personalized Treatment Plan:

Dr. Singhavi employs intraoperative nerve monitoring to locate healthy proximal and distal nerve segments. The approach is tailored by:

  1. Gap Assessment – If <1 cm, direct repair; if larger, interposition graft.
  2. Graft Selection – Harvest of sural or great auricular nerve based on required length and diameter.
  3. Microsurgical Coaptation – Epineurial or perineurial suturing under high magnification for precise alignment.
  4. Adjunctive Measures – Fibrin sealants and nerve conduits may be used to enhance regeneration.

Post-surgery, patients begin facial physiotherapy and neuromuscular retraining, sometimes aided by electrical stimulation.

Benefits :

  • Restored Movement: Significant improvement in eye closure, eyebrow elevation, and oral competence.
  • Symmetry & Expression: Reduces facial asymmetry and synkinesis, enhancing social confidence.
  • Single-Stage Recovery: Immediate repair diminishes muscle atrophy and accelerates nerve regeneration.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Protects corneal health and speech articulation, supporting independent daily function.