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Facial Nerve Disorders

People with facial nerve disorders or facial weakness often don’t know they have options for addressing the functional and aesthetic effects of their condition. At Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, our Facial Nerve Disorders Program offers you a wide range of treatment options for conditions ranging from smile weakness to complete facial nerve paralysis.

Conditions We Treat

  • Facial nerve paralysis
  • Hemifacial spasm
  • Facial weakness
  • Improper eye closure
  • Oral incompetence
  • Post-Bell’s palsy
  • Post-tumor
  • Smile weakness

Meet Your Care Team

Scott J. Stephan
4.8

Scott J. StephanMD

    Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgery, Ear Deformities, Facial Paralysis, Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Shiayin F. Yang
4.9

Shiayin F. YangMD

    Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgery, ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Ear Deformities, Facial Nerve Disorders, Facial Plastic Surgery, Microtia, Otolaryngology

Why Choose Facial Nerve Disorder Care at Vanderbilt

  • diploma, award, ribbon, Recognized care, quality
    Recognized care

    Vanderbilt is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by leading authorities on health care quality. People from throughout the Southeast and across the country rely on us for the best and most innovative care possible. 

  • medical chart, clipboard, cross, Knowledge and experience
    Knowledge and experience in surgery

    Our surgeons have extensive training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, which includes specialized expertise in treating facial nerve disorders. Our surgeons have experience performing a variety of surgeries, ranging from procedures to improve the function of your eyelids to more complex surgeries involving the removal or transfer of nerves within the face.

  • chemistry, flask, Advanced research
    Advanced techniques

    Vanderbilt is one of only a few medical centers in the country with surgeons capable of performing a delicate surgery called gracilis multivector surgery. Our surgeons are uniquely trained to perform this innovative facial nerve surgery to restore your smile.

  • conference, Team approach, people, staff, partners
    Team approach

    We work together to ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you need. Our team members collaborate with each other, as well as with experts in other medical disciplines, to provide you with individual care that addresses your unique needs.

  • medical record, Second opinions, cross, pen
    Second opinions

    A second opinion can help you make the best health decisions. We review your medical history, diagnostic tests, any previous treatments and your personal preferences to give you an informed opinion.

  • lightning bolt, Innovation, advanced
    Innovation in facial synkinesis care

    We are the only program in Tennessee to offer a unique therapy for facial synkinesis. Facial synkinesis occurs when your nerve fibers regrow or connect to other nerves after a facial nerve injury or trauma. When synkinesis occurs, the muscle groups controlled by those nerves don’t synchronize correctly. It causes involuntary movements when you move another group of facial muscles. We offer our patients the chance to receive electromyography (EMG)-guided treatment, which includes the use of botulinum toxin, every three months.

Tests, Treatments and Services

We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:

  • Cross-facial nerve graft
  • Electromyography (EMG)-guided botulinum toxin therapy
  • Gracilis multivector surgery
  • High-resolution scans
  • Highly selective neurectomy
  • Lateral canthoplasty
  • Nerve transfer surgery

Location

Vanderbilt Otolaryngology One Hundred Oaks
719 Thompson Lane, Suite 30400
Nashville, TN 37204
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