Fascia Lata Facial Suspension
Facial paralysis causes facial asymmetry at rest and with facial movements such as smiling. Fascia lata suspension improves resting facial symmetry of the corner of the mouth, nasolabial fold (a.k.a. laugh lines, smile lines), philtrum (vertical indentation in the middle of the upper lip), and base of theÌýnose. It often improves symptoms such as drooling, nasal obstruction, and biting the inner cheek and lip.ÌýÌý
What to expect during fascia lata suspension surgery:
FasciaÌýlataÌýsuspension is performed under general anesthesia at the outpatient surgery center. Patients stay one night in the hospital and go home the next morning. To perform the procedure, we make two one-inch incisions on the outside of the thigh to harvest a piece of fasciaÌýlata, a thick band of tissue which is excellent for suspending facial structures. FasciaÌýlataÌýhas an extremely low risk of infection and other complications since it is theÌýpatient’s own (autologous) tissue. There are minimal side effects from removing this tissue from the thigh. A facelift incision is made in front of the ear and the fascia is secured using stitches to resuspend the corner of the mouth, upper lip, laugh line, and base of the nostril. The incision is closed, typically using sutures that dissolve. Results are noticed immediately as soon as the swelling resolves (typically 1-2 weeks).ÌýThis procedure can also be done in clinic using sutures to re-establish the smile lines.ÌýÌý
If you would like to schedule a consultation at the ºÚÁÏÍø Facial Nerve Center, please call 984-974-2255.
