Facial Paralysis from Injury during Surgery

The facial nerve can be injured during benign parotid tumor surgery, surgery for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, facelift surgery and tympanomastoid (ear) surgery. This can be a very depressing event as it is almost always unanticipated. The chances of facial nerve recovery depend to a great extent on the degree of injury. Depending on the circumstances, surgery to explore and repair the injured nerve may become necessary.