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See Dr.Azizzadeh featured on the Oprah Winfrey show

Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of the preeminent facial plastic surgery textbook "Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation", which is currently in second print. Surgical techniques are described in detail through text, photos, illustrations, and two comprehensive DVD's.

Read Chapters: One Ten

Available at Amazon.com

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Azizzadeh Course Director for Advances in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery October 25-26

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Facial Paralysis Surgeon

In Beverly Hills and serving the Los Angeles area

The facial nerve controls the movement and expression of the facial muscles. Facial nerve paralysis is physically, aesthetically and emotionally devastating to an individual. Extensive experience and training is required to treat patients with these disorders. Dr. Azizzadeh is the Director of the Facial Paralysis Institute and is one of the leading figures in the field of Facial Nerve Paralysis. Dr. Azizzadeh is trained in FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY as well as Head & Neck Surgery which gives him a distinctive insight into facial nerve function and facial aesthetics. Furthermore, Dr. Azizzadeh has extensively trained in microsurgical facial reconstruction which is often required for the treatment of children and adults who are born with facial paralysis.

There are numerous causes of facial nerve paralysis:

• Bell's palsy
• Trauma
• Acoustic neuroma surgery
• Ear and parotid surgery
• Congenital (Mobius)
• Stroke and other central nervous system disorder
• Herpes Zoster Oticus
• Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome
• Hemifacial microsomia
• Middle ear infections
• Lyme disease

The factors that are most important in the medical and surgical management of patients with facial nerve paralysis are:

• Etiology of paralysis
• Degree of paralysis
• Duration of paralysis
• Patient's age
• Patient's state of health
• Patient's desires

Functional and aesthetic impairments associated with facial nerve paralysis include:

• Facial asymmetry
• Depression of brows
• Inability to close the eyelids (Lagophthalmos)
• Paralysis of lower eyelid (ectropion)
• Decreased tear production
• Corneal damage
• Mid-face drooping
• Effacement and nasolabial fold ("laugh line")
• Nasal airway obstruction secondary external valve collapse
• Inability to smile (asymmetry)
• Oral incompetence and drooling
• Lower lip deficit

The most important treatment objective for individuals with facial paralysis is prevention of unwanted eye complications, restoration and reconstruction of facial movement, restoration of a dynamic smile, and improvement of facial aesthetics. Facial paralysis surgeon Dr. Azizzadeh and his team of otolaryngologists, head & neck surgeons, ophthalmologists and physical therapists utilize a systematic approach to reach these objectives. Three regions of the face are addressed:

• Brow and eyelid region
  a. Gold weight placement to help upper eyelid closure
  b. Surgical tightening of the lower eyelid
  c. Endoscopic brow lift to improve eye brow position and symmetry
• Smile and mid-face region
  a. Creation of dynamic smile (most important goal)
  b. Facelift procedure to improve symmetry and aesthetics of the face
  c. Subperiosteal midface lift (midface drooping)
  d. Creation of nasolabial fold ("laugh line") utilizing suture techniques
  e. Static suspension of nasal ala to improve nasal breathing
  f. "touch-up" procedures
• Lower face and lips
  a. Lower lip wedge excision
  b. Asymmetric facelift
  c. Dynamic lip depressor rehabilitation

Finally, physical therapy is an indispensable tool for getting the most out of facial paralysis reconstruction. The commitment to undergo long-term physical therapy is a pre-requisite for any patient desiring significant improvement in facial function and appearance. Please contact facial paralysis surgeon Dr. Azizzadeh if you or your family have any further questions or desire to be seen in consultation.

For more information, please visit: http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com