Scarless Facial Reanimation
A next-generation, no-incision approach to restoring natural facial movement, smile symmetry, and comfort for patients with synkinesis or post-paralysis facial tightness.
What Is Scarless Facial Reanimation™?
Scarless Facial Reanimation™ is a transoral, endoscopic procedure that treats synkinesis, abnormal facial pull, involuntary movement, smile dysfunction, facial tightness, and persistent asymmetry after:
- Bell’s palsy
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Acoustic neuroma
- Facial nerve trauma
- Lyme disease
- Congenital facial nerve disorders
- Previous reanimation procedures that did not yield improvement
Unlike traditional facial reanimation surgery, which may require skin incisions, muscle transfers, or nerve grafts, Dr. Azizzadeh’s Scarless Facial Reanimation™ corrects miswiring from inside the mouth. By precisely releasing overactive nerve branches and tight muscle units, he restores balance to the native facial muscles—allowing the brain’s natural emotional signals to flow freely again.
What Concerns Does Scarless Facial Reanimation™ Address?
Scarless Facial Reanimation™ is designed specifically for patients experiencing:
- Smile dysfunction or limited smile movement
- Facial tightness and heaviness
- Facial pulling or asymmetry
- Synkinesis (involuntary or uncoordinated facial movement)
- Difficulty expressing emotions naturally
- Abnormal movement when smiling, blinking, or talking
- Facial muscle cramping
- Discomfort after Bell’s palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Asymmetry after previous surgical procedures
Psychological distress related to facial expression changes
The Dr. Azizzadeh Difference
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is one of the world’s leading authorities in facial nerve disorders and a pioneer in minimally invasive synkinesis surgery. His creation of Scarless Facial Reanimation™ represents a major advancement in facial reanimation—combining innovation, aesthetic precision, and nerve expertise in a way no other technique currently offers.
Patients choose Dr. Azizzadeh because:
- He is a global leader in synkinesis treatment, selective neurolysis, and smile restoration.
- He has been featured by The New York Times, Oprah, The Today Show, Elle, Vogue, WSJ, and more.
- He serves as President of the Sir Charles Bell Society and President-Elect of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
- Surgeons and patients travel internationally for his complex and revision-case expertise.
- His approach blends facial nerve surgery, deep knowledge of facial aesthetics, and an empathetic understanding of the emotional challenges of facial paralysis.
Dr. A's Insider Tips
“Selective neurolysis is a transformative procedure, but it requires a highly individualized approach. Success depends on your surgeon’s expertise—years of experience, a proven track record, precise decision-making, and a refined aesthetic eye honed through countless hours of practice. “
Selective Neurolysis
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Scarless Facial Reanimation™
Although Scarless Facial Reanimation™ offers the most advanced no-incision solution for synkinesis, several non-surgical therapies may be recommended before or after surgery:
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Reduces facial tightness, unwanted movements, and muscle overactivity. Helps refine symmetry and balance.
Neuromuscular Retraining (NMR)
Improves muscle coordination using targeted exercises, biofeedback, and therapist-guided facial movement strategies.
Physical Therapy & Soft Tissue Mobilization
Releases tight bands, improves muscle glide, and reduces discomfort.
Dermal Fillers
Rebalance facial volume loss and enhance symmetry.
Eye Protection & Non-Surgical Eye Care
Hydrating drops, moisture chamber goggles, and PROSE lenses to protect the cornea.
Psychological Support
Helps patients navigate emotional changes that accompany facial nerve disorders.
While these treatments offer relief, Scarless Facial Reanimation™ remains one of the most effective long-term solutions for restoring natural, expressive facial movement without incisions.
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FAQ
It’s normal to have questions before a procedure. If you have additional questions or concerns, book a consultation today.
This technique uses no external incisions and works internally to rebalance miswired nerve pathways. It restores natural smile activation rather than replacing or rerouting nerves or muscles.
It is primarily designed for synkinesis but is highly effective for facial tightness, asymmetry, abnormal pull, and dysfunctional smile movement after paralysis or previous surgery.
Not necessarily. Both procedures rebalance nerve pathways, but Scarless Facial Reanimation™ provides a no-incision option. Some patients may benefit from either technique or a combination of both.
Most patients experience quick healing with minimal downtime. Initial improvement in comfort is often immediate, while symmetry and smile refinement improve over weeks to months.
Risks are low but may include temporary swelling, soreness, or minor movement asymmetry as the nerves rebalance. Dr. Azizzadeh will discuss individualized risks during consultation.
Yes. Because this procedure uses your native facial muscles and nerve pathways, the resulting smile is emotionally driven, spontaneous, and authentic.
Preparation
For the best results and swiftest recovery, we recommend the following leading up to your procedure.
Preparation for selective neurolysis involves several critical steps to ensure the best possible outcomes and recovery experience. Each patient is unique, and Dr. Azizzadeh and his team will provide a customized preparation and care plan tailored specifically to your needs. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively.
- Begin/continue neuromuscular retraining if recommended
- Avoid smoking or nicotine use
- Review medications and supplements with our team
- Maintain stable health and hydration
- Avoid blood-thinning medications unless approved
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Arrange transportation for surgery day
- Prepare soft foods for early post-operative comfort
- Follow pre-op cleansing instructions
- Confirm medication plan and prescriptions
- Finalize post-operative support at home
- Do not eat or drink after instructed cutoff time
- Prepare comfortable clothing
- Stay calm and rested—mindset contributes to healing
Recovery
Healing is typically faster than traditional facial reanimation procedures due to the minimally invasive, no-incision approach.
- Mild soreness inside the mouth
- Early improvements in tightness and pulling
- Continue prescribed rinses and care instructions
- Light activity only
- Continued facial relaxation
- Gradual improvements in symmetry
- Resume neuromuscular retraining if advised
- Most patients return fully to normal routines
- Ongoing refinement of smile movement
- Facial balance continues to improve
- Nerve pathways stabilize and strengthen
- Long-term optimization of natural, spontaneous smile
- Results remain stable and continue to soften with time
Healing can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience a longer recovery period.