Facial reanimation surgery

Mayo Clinic's approach

Facial reanimation is a rare subspecialty. Working with a healthcare team of plastic surgeons and other specialists in facial reanimation gives you access to the most advanced and comprehensive care possible. Facial reanimation experts use optimal techniques to get the best outcomes. Mayo Clinic has a specialized team that has been performing facial reanimation surgeries for decades.

Mayo Clinic plastic surgeons and other experts work with people who have facial paralysis to develop an individual treatment plan for facial reanimation. They use innovative treatments that may include microsurgical facial nerve repair, facial nerve grafting, nerve transfer surgery, muscle transfer surgery and muscle transplant surgery.

Mayo Clinic plastic surgeons and specialists also perform facelifts, browlift surgery, eyelid reanimation surgery and other procedures. They also treat synkinesis, muscle tightness and facial muscle spasms. Procedures include chemodenervation and neuromuscular retraining, selective neurectomy and selective myectomy with terminal neurolysis.

Our team of facial nerve specialists can see you to confirm the diagnosis and decide if early intervention is necessary. Our team also can further evaluate your facial paralysis and suggest treatment. Plastic surgeons and specialists at Mayo Clinic uses every tool available to help bring back movement to your facial muscles.

• Multidisciplinary team. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in plastic surgery with special expertise in facial reanimation, facial aesthetic and facial reconstruction are involved in your care. The team may include specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, otolaryngology (ENT)/head and neck surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, neurology, ophthalmology, physical therapy, dermatology, immune system conditions, infectious diseases, and other specialties. Specialists in mental health conditions (psychiatry and psychology services) also may be involved in your care.
• Experience. Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field of facial reanimation. They're experienced in providing innovative surgical options for adults and children.
• Efficiency. At Mayo Clinic, you receive an itinerary of appointments, tests and procedures that allows you to make the most of your time at the clinic. In a single day, you can meet with a team of specialists in facial paralysis and facial reanimation surgery. Tests taken in the morning can be reviewed the same afternoon. This collaborative approach means specialists often can evaluate you and develop a treatment plan within a few days.
• Research. At Mayo Clinic, you may have access to ongoing clinical trials, research and new treatments. Read about the research being conducted by specialists in the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics and in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Otolaryngology (ENT)/Head and Neck Surgery.

Expertise and rankings

Experience

Facial reanimation surgery is a delicate and sophisticated surgery that employs techniques in aesthetic surgery, microsurgery and reconstructive surgery. This field requires a team of experienced specialists. While few centers around the world perform this surgery routinely, Mayo Clinic has been doing facial reanimation surgeries for decades. Mayo Clinic brings a level of expertise to the procedure not found elsewhere.

Each year, Mayo Clinic treats more than 4,000 people with facial reanimation procedures.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, rank among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked high performing for ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more about Mayo Clinic's neurology and neurosurgery departments' expertise and rankings.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

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Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.