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The Medical Center - University of Freiburg is one of Europe’s leading centers for complex microsurgical reconstructive procedures. Its recently opened Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment Center helps patients regain natural facial expressions, smiles, and confidence.

What Is Facial Nerve Paralysis?

Facial nerve paralysis, or facial palsy, occurs when the nerve controlling the muscles of the face is damaged. For patients, this condition often comes as a complete shock. Suddenly, they lose the ability to control their facial expressions: smiling, drinking, raising the eyebrows, or closing the eye becomes extremely difficult or even impossible. Causes can vary — nerve inflammation following viral infections, trauma, circulatory disorders, or neurological conditions. In most cases, paralysis develops suddenly, sometimes literally overnight.

“For patients, this is a very difficult experience,” explains Prof. Dr. Jacob Weiss, senior physician in the Department of Plastic Surgery and representative of the center. “By combining the expertise of specialists in our new center, we can systematically assess even the most complex cases and develop individualized treatment plans.”

Most patients’ nerves gradually recover over several months, but in a small number of cases, complete immobility persists. “In these situations, surgery can help restore movement to the facial muscles and allow full eyelid closure,” adds Weiss.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The new center brings together specialists from plastic surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, and ENT. Diagnosis, therapy planning, and both surgical and conservative treatments are coordinated collaboratively and discussed in specialized interdisciplinary case conferences. This approach allows the development of the most effective treatment strategies for each patient.

The range of methods covers everything — from physiotherapy and minimally invasive procedures to precise microsurgical operations. The primary goal is to restore facial function as fully as possible, including natural expressions and complete eyelid closure. At the same time, scientific research on facial nerve reconstruction and treatment continues.

When Medicine Restores a Smile: Anna’s Story

Anna M. suddenly lost feeling on the right side of her face. Drinking and smiling became difficult. Unlike many patients who gradually improve, Anna’s paralysis had not resolved even after two years. She then turned to the Medical Center - University of Freiburg for help.

The cause of her condition could not be determined. During a microsurgical procedure, surgeons transplanted a muscle from her thigh to her cheek to restore movement at the corner of her mouth. Additional interventions around her eye helped relieve irritation and restore normal eyelid closure.

“Now I can smile again!” Anna says with joy. “It’s like being returned to a normal life.”