Bells Palsy

[Sophie1923]

Hi! I am 19 and have had Bells Palsy for almost 3 years; I have been lucky enough to be offered surgery to help me, these are: a cross facial nerve graft and a Labbé. I want to know your experience of these surgeries and what your results are so I can make a decision! Thank you in advance.

[Mikestar]

After having the palsy over a year, I requested the surgery. It was taking muscle and nerve from my leg And transplanting them to my face. It didn't work. There was a follow up surgery which didn't work. I would do it again. I believe it failed because I'm much older than you. I totally trusted the doctor, and still do.

[Sophie1923 in reply to Mikestar]

Yes that would be the cross facial wouldn't it? I don't think they're meant to perform surgery on anyone who's had it for a year because it's still possible it will come back. Anyone who I have seen about mine has said there is delivery no chance of it returning without surgery

[N1man69 in reply to Sophie1923]

no what Mikestar is describing is the free grasillis muscle transfer not the cross facial nerve.

Mikestar why didn't it work?

[N1man69]

Hi. I had the cross nerve transplant in 2015 and it worked well. I had the grasillis muscle transfer in December and while its too early to see results, my consultants are very happy with the outcome so far. Both operations require a stay in hospital with the second one a "bigger " op than the first. But personally, I would say if you are lucky enough to be offered it on the NHS you should take it. I don't know what a "Labbe" is though?

[Sophie1923 in reply to N1man69]

Thanks for your reply! I've attached the link for the Labbé. It's basically using your temple muscle to move it down and attach to you lip, also has quicker results and is only one surgery instead of 2 over 2 years.

facialpalsy.org.uk/support/...

[N1man69 in reply to Sophie1923]

ok. I've never heard of that but if it only involves one op and gives you a smile with only 6 weeks of swelling, I would say do it. definitely. what are you reasons for possibly not doing it?

[Sophie1923 in reply to N1man69]

Yes you can have instant results with the Labbé! The 1 reason I can think of for not doing this one is its using your chewing muscle so I'm worried if I'm eating I'll just keep smiling? It's an involuntary smile so I'd have to bite down whenever I want to smile (which I always did anyway). You can retrain it so you can use it voluntarily though I think

[Sophie1923 in reply to N1man69]

One thing that worries me with the cross facial nerve graft is the fact they have to mess with the unaffected side of my face... the Labbé surgery is currently winning with my list of pros and cons

[N1man69 in reply to Sophie1923]

ok. the cross nerve facial graft doesn't involve much risk at all though, I wouldn't worry about it "messing with the good side".

Labbe's benefit seems to be that's its only one op and results are quicker.

[Sophie1923 in reply to N1man69]

The surgeon I'm with has done more Labbé surgery than cross facial, he doesn't have any results to show me for cross favial but the results he has for labbé are amazing. I don't want to have bells palsy any longer, it's affected me a lot (I got it a week after my 17th birthday) and I'm 20 this year. At least if I chose the Labbé then I could be "normal" come September/October

[N1man69]

feel free to message me with any questions

[Jessic93]

Hi Sophie, I had the cross facial nerve graft after a stroke caused RHS facial palsy when I was 17. I'm two operations in and now 24, it has definitely improved, when natural there is less of a droop and can smile - not quite a grin yet. Seeing my plastic next week to discuss next stage it has been 4 years since the 2nd of 2 ops. Next stage probably going to be botox in my chin to allow more movement from the corner of the lip and to flatten dimples. Hope this helps. Feel free to pm me x

[Sophie1923 in reply to Jessic93]

Thank you for your reply!

[Kim_Kira]

I too am being offered the surgery. I look forward to any comments.

[Kim_Kira]

My Neurologist is not in favour of the transplanting of the nerve or the cross face. He is proposing the one that rerouted from my tongue. I will have to look into Labbe.