Static sling

Posted on   2009-04-21 09:04:26

Static sling, Static Suspension, facial paralysis treament

Static suspension is utilized to create better facial symmetry as well improve some of the most difficult side-effects of facial paralysis including drooling and biting of the inner gum. Dr. Azizzadeh typically uses tensor fascia lata (a tendon like structure from the thighs) to support and create a laugh line. This procedure is able to create symmetry of the lips, corner of the mouth and laugh line. The procedure is usually performed through a small incision in the scalp and the fascia is placed under the skin where it is not visible. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading surgeons who have utilized this technique.

Fascia

Tensor Fascia Lata has been used extensively by Dr. Azizzadeh at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, California for the correction of facial paralysis. Tensor Fascia Lata is harvested from outer thigh through a minimally invasive incision. Tensor Fascia Lata is an extremely good source of tissue from one’s own body and can be used as multiple slings. Through facelift skin incisions, strips of Tensor Fascia Lata are anchored to the bone on one end and to the laugh line and corner of the mouth at the other end. Endoscopic equipment is utilized to limit all the incisions and in most patients allows Dr. Azizzadeh to perform static sling without making any facial incision.  Tensor Fascia Lata is a natural source for sling material and therefore has very limited chance of infection or deterioration. Dr. Azizzadeh is currently writing his experience with Tensor Fascia Lata and will be submitting his findings to the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery Journal.

Alloderm

Alloderm is freeze-dried, acellular human dermis which has also been used extensively by Dr. Azizzadeh for many years with great outcome.  The advantage of Allorderm is that a second surgical site is not necessary for harvesting of the material. Alloderm can be customized just like Tensor Fascia Lata and is readily available. Alloderm tends to integrate well with surrounding tissue and has a very limited risk of rejection.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex)

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), known commercially as Gore-Tex, is a synthetic material that has also been used in a select group of patients by Dr. Azizzadeh at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, California. Gore-Tex also eliminates the need for harvesting from a second site and is readily avaialbe.  Gore-tex does carry a higher risk of infection albeit still extremely low.

In a select group of patients, Dr. Azizzadeh has been utilizing a minimally invasive suture suspension technique with great outcome as a substitue for more invasive procedure.  Suture technique provides the perfect support for patients who have partial paralysis or bell’s palsy while undergoing traditional facelift procedures.  It can be done through endoscopic midface approach or classic short-flap facelift life approach with the use of advanced endoscopic equipment.  Permanat sutures are utilized to achive the results.  This technique was the primary method by which Dr. Azizzadeh treated Mary Jo Buttafuoco on The Oprah Winfrey Show for her devastating facial paralysis.  A multivector approach can be utilized to address different regions of the face and mouth.

FACELIFT

NERVE TRANSPLANT- Cross Facial Nerve Graft

GRACILIS MUSCLE TRANSPLANT

STATIC SLING - SUSPENSION

HYPOGLOSSAL FACIAL NERVE TRANSFER

BOTOX

TEMPORALIS TRANSFER

ENDOSCOPIC BROWLIFT

EYELID RECONSTRUCTION

GOLD WEIGHT/EYELID SPRING