About the Procedure
A hypoglossal-to-facial nerve transfer is a nerve repair procedure for facial paralysis caused by damage to the facial nerve near the brainstem or skull base, where the nerve cannot be repaired directly but the facial muscles themselves are still viable. A portion of the hypoglossal nerve, which normally controls tongue movement, is connected to the facial nerve to provide a new source of input to the paralyzed muscles.
Over months, nerve fibers grow into the facial muscles, restoring resting tone, symmetry, and—often with rehabilitation—voluntary movement. Modern techniques typically use only part of the hypoglossal nerve to limit effects on tongue function.
At Norelle Health, this procedure is considered within a specific time window after facial nerve injury, while the facial muscles can still respond. The approach is selected after evaluating the cause and duration of paralysis and the condition of the nerve and muscles.
Who may be a candidate
This procedure is generally considered for facial paralysis from facial nerve injury near the skull base—for example after surgery for a vestibular schwannoma—when the facial muscles remain healthy.
Timing matters: it is typically done within roughly the first one to two years, before the facial muscles lose their ability to respond. Evaluation confirms the muscles are still viable and that the hypoglossal nerve is functioning.
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How it is performed
Through an incision near the ear and upper neck, the facial nerve and the hypoglossal nerve are identified. A portion of the hypoglossal nerve is connected to the facial nerve, often using a technique that preserves much of the tongue's nerve supply or a short nerve graft.
This creates a pathway for nerve signals to reach the facial muscles. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery and aftercare
The incision is protected during early healing, and most everyday activity resumes within a couple of weeks. Movement does not return immediately.
As nerve fibers grow into the facial muscles over many months, resting tone and symmetry improve first, followed by movement. Facial physical therapy is important to retrain the muscles and coordinate the new input.
Risks and alternatives
Possible risks include incomplete recovery, asymmetry, unwanted linked movements (synkinesis), and changes in tongue movement or sensation, which are usually limited when only part of the nerve is used. Standard surgical risks such as bleeding and infection also apply.
Alternatives include other nerve transfers such as the masseteric nerve, a cross-face nerve graft, muscle transfer procedures for long-standing paralysis, and static or supportive measures.
Results and follow-up
Many patients regain improved facial tone, symmetry at rest, and movement that develops gradually over the first year and beyond, supported by therapy. Results vary depending on timing and individual factors.
Follow-up monitors nerve recovery, guides rehabilitation, and addresses any synkinesis or need for additional procedures.
Medical review
This page is a patient-education resource reviewed by the responsible Norelle Health clinician before publication. It does not replace an in-person evaluation. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek immediate medical care.
Specialists who perform hypoglossal to facial nerve transfer
Dr. Rakhna Araslanova
MD, FRCSC, FACS
Fellowship-Trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon — Facial Paralysis and Reanimation
Dr. Rakhna Araslanova is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who leads facial paralysis and reanimation at Norelle Health, with additional expertise in craniofacial reconstruction and aesthetic facial plastic surgery.
- Facial paralysis rehabilitation and surgical reanimation
- Craniofacial reconstruction
- Aesthetic facial plastic surgery
- Rhinoplasty
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(212) 444-8006Frequently Asked Questions
It is a procedure that connects part of the tongue's nerve (the hypoglossal nerve) to the facial nerve to provide new input to paralyzed facial muscles, used when the facial nerve cannot be repaired directly but the muscles are still healthy.
It is typically used for facial paralysis from facial nerve injury near the skull base, such as after vestibular schwannoma surgery, generally within roughly the first one to two years while the facial muscles can still respond.
Modern techniques usually use only part of the hypoglossal nerve to limit effects on the tongue. Some temporary changes in tongue movement or sensation can occur, and significant long-term problems are less common.
Movement returns gradually as the nerve grows into the muscle, typically beginning several months after surgery, with resting tone and symmetry often improving first and continuing over the first year.
Yes. Facial physical therapy is an important part of recovery, helping retrain the facial muscles to respond to the new nerve input and manage any linked movements.
If the facial muscles are no longer viable, a nerve transfer may not work, and a muscle transfer such as gracilis free tissue transfer may be considered instead. Evaluation helps determine the best option.
Both reroute a working nerve to the facial nerve. The hypoglossal transfer uses the tongue's nerve and often supports resting tone, while the masseteric nerve provides a strong smile activated initially by clenching; they are sometimes combined.
Related Conditions
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