10-26-2023 Howard - Flipbook - Page 11
Worry Less
SMILE MORE
FACIAL PARALYSIS
Q&A
Learn about your options for treating
Bell’s palsy and other facial nerve disorders
Ask the Expert:
Kalpesh Vakharia, MD, MS
Associate Professor and
Chief of Facial Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery
Q: What is facial paralysis?
A: A loss of facial movement that can
occur after damage to the facial nerve
or facial muscles. Your face will appear
droopy due to the weakness or complete
loss of muscle function. This can happen
suddenly or gradually on one or both
sides, and depending on the cause, the
length of paralysis varies.
Q: What can cause facial paralysis?
A: Stroke, neurologic disorders, facial
trauma, tumors, surgery, congenital
disorders, and inflammatory conditions
such as Herpes Simplex, Varicella Zoster,
or Lyme disease.
(Actual Patient)
FACIAL PARALYSIS TREATMENT
Q: When should patients seek a
second opinion?
A: As early as possible. Depending on the
cause of facial paralysis, some treatment
options are time sensitive and the patient
should be referred to an otolaryngologist
right away.
Q: How is facial paralysis treated?
A: The treatments offered to each patient
depend on their age, the underlying cause,
and duration of paralysis. I implement
medication and/or surgery as needed, as
well as a combination of Botox and facial
fillers. I often refer patients to a facial
paralysis physical therapist as well whose
specialty techniques complement my
treatments.
Appointments & Information: Call 667-214-1772 or
email medspa@som.umaryland.edu.
Locations: Columbia & Downtown Baltimore
Before
After
umfpi.org/fps
