Gracilis Free Tissue Transfer In New York City
Facial paralysis, commonly resulting from conditions like Bell’s Palsy or nerve trauma, can lead to the loss of essential facial functions, such as the ability to smile.
Your Smile, Restored.
For patients who have experienced long-term facial palsy (typically over two years), the native facial muscles may cease to function due to prolonged lack of nerve input. Our facial muscle transfer procedure in New York City offers a solution to help you regain your smile and facial movement. This procedure involves transplanting a small piece of the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh to the face, serving as a substitute for the muscles responsible for smiling.
About The Procedure
Our gracilis-free tissue transfer, also known as a gracilis-free flap, is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. Skilled surgeons make an incision on the affected side of your face that extends into the neck beneath the jawbone, following natural skin creases. Through this incision, they identify the blood vessels in your face that will supply the transplanted gracilis muscle. A small incision is made along the upper inner thigh to harvest the gracilis muscle along with its associated blood vessels and nerves. Once the muscle is harvested and the face is prepared, the muscle is sewn to the upper lip on the affected side and connected to the facial blood vessels and the nerve responsible for muscle innervation.
About The Recovery
Recovery from a gracilis-free tissue transfer involves several stages and careful post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Immediate Post-Operative Period
- Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after the surgery. During this time, medical staff monitor the blood flow to the transplanted muscle and overall recovery.
- Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are managed with medications prescribed by the surgical team.
- First Few Weeks
- Swelling and Bruising: Expect significant swelling and bruising around the surgical sites on the face and thigh. This will gradually subside over the first few weeks.
- Incision Care: Keep the incisions clean and dry. Follow the surgeon’s instructions on wound care to prevent infection.
- Activity Restrictions: Limit physical activity to avoid strain on the surgical sites. Avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous activities.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Starting Rehabilitation: Physical therapy usually begins a few weeks after surgery. Therapists will guide you through exercises to promote healing, improve muscle function, and enhance facial movement.
- Gradual Progress: Progress is gradual, and it may take several months to see significant improvements in muscle movement and facial symmetry.
- Long-Term Recovery
- Nerve Regeneration: Nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation can take several months to a year. Patience is essential as the nerves gradually grow and connect with the transplanted muscle.
- Ongoing Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy sessions will continue to improve muscle strength and coordination. Commitment to these sessions is crucial for optimal recovery.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgical team are necessary to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your recovery plan if needed.
- Final Outcomes
- Facial Movement: Full recovery of facial movement may take up to a year or more. Patients often see gradual improvements in their ability to smile and other facial expressions.
- Scarring: Scars will fade over time but may remain visible. Proper scar care, including the use of silicone sheets or gels, can help minimize their appearance.
By adhering to post-operative care instructions and actively participating in rehabilitation, patients can achieve significant improvements in facial function and symmetry.
Dr. Araslanova And Your Restoration Journey