The length of recovery depends on the severity of the damage to the facial nerve
As you know, the recovery of the facial nerve may take an extended period of time. Especially if the damage was heavy. Then, the first facial movements can return only after 2 or 3 months and in some very heavy cases even after 4 months. Usually, between 2 or 3 and a half months, the patient after facial palsy will start to experience at least some return of the movements.
Since the movements started to return, little by little it will slowly continue to improve and more and more movements will be returning. During this time, make sure to keep your facial muscles relaxed and avoid over-using mirrors. After more or less 8 to 9 months, the recovery will reach a certain plateau. It will not stop, but it will reach a certain plateau and the return of further movements will be much slower.
At this moment, the regeneration of the facial nerve itself slows down. To prompt the facial nerve to regenerate further, you need to apply special techniques. You need to apply some hard work, to help your nerve to continue to regenerate. You have to do it if you want to push your recovery further on. This is what we do with our patients in the clinic – with well-guided efforts, hard work and special rehabilitation techniques, we stimulate the facial nerve to continue its regeneration.
Remain calm and positive.
At 4 months since the onset, if your facial movements have not returned fully, please, remain calm. There is no need to panic, no need to worry or despair. Stay positive and do what your doctor has suggested. If you would like to receive a professional prognosis for your recovery from our team, you can register for an online consultation.
You can also watch or read here our suggestions about what to do, what not to do and what to expect, during acute facial palsy.
