Overview
Our Facial Nerve Specialists work uniquely with functions that allow for human connection. The ability to speak, hear, eat, smile, and express emotion are essential aspects of what allows people to connect with one another. Additionally, our faces are how we interface with the world and a defining feature of our individuality. Our Facial Nerve Specialists feel privileged to help patients regain or improve these aspects of their lives, and it is for this reason they are here to partner with you.
Director Nina Lu, MD, and Emily Wilson, MS, CCC-SLP, a facial therapist and lecturer at UW, are guests on an episode from Medbridge, a podcast for healthcare professionals, titled "Facial Nerve Paralysis: How can therapists and patients collaborate?" They unpack what collaboration looks like in practice, explore evidence-based approaches to facial retraining, and reflect on the power of aligning goals with patient priorities. Click to listen on Spotify.
Treatment options provided by our specialists
- Nerve Transfers:
- Masseter Transfer
- Cross Facial Nerve Grafts
- Hypoglossal Nerve Transfer
- Deep Temporal Nerve Transfer
- Gracilis Free Muscle Transfer
- Temporalis Tendon Transfer
- Static Slings
- Selective Nerve or Muscle Resection (Selective Neurectomy and Myectomy)
- Eyelid Weights
- Eyelid Tightening
- Nasal Valve Correction, Septorhinoplasty
- Refinement Procedures: Brow lift, face lift, blepharoplasty, fat grafting
- Botulinum Toxin
- Hyaluronic acid filler
 | At the University of Washington's Facial Nerve Program, we firmly believe in multi-disciplinary care for facial nerve rehabilitation. Facial therapy is an integral part of facial reanimation, and our lead therapist is Emily Wilson, MS, CCC-SLP. Ms Wilson has had specific interest and training in the treatment of facial palsy. She is a lecturer in UW’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is also a program director for the UW Otolaryngology Speech-Language Pathology Fellowship. |
