What is it about?
The facial nerve is responsible for facial movements. This study discusses the changes the face undergoes during its growth when facial nerve function is altered from birth or during childhood.
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Why is it important?
We compared facial tomography scans, measuring the left and right sides of individuals who presented with paralysis at birth or acquired it during the growth phase. We observed that the paralyzed side undergoes altered growth, as if the muscular attraction on the periosteum played a different role due to the lack of the facial nerve. Studies in animals with induced facial paralysis during pre-pubertal growth, followed until adulthood, confirmed this alteration through histological evaluation, and observed the irregular arrangement of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in the faces of the trained animals. The importance of this work highlights the need to monitor the child as soon as facial paralysis is detected, as it can lead to significant alterations in the facial framework.
Perspectives
I hope this article raises awareness about congenital or acquired facial paralysis and its effects during facial growth. In childhood, asymmetries may be mild, but according to our study, they will become considerably more pronounced. The intention of this article is to draw attention to children as soon as paralysis is diagnosed and to encourage multidisciplinary work; involving professionals in speech therapy, dentistry, neurology, otolaryngology, and physiotherapy, with the aim of minimizing sequelae. During childhood they are imperceptible, but during facial growth, allowing them to continue without intervention can lead to deformities.
Doctor Rosana Queiroz
Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Influence of the Facial Nerve on Facial Bone Growth and Development in Patients with Congenital or Acquired Facial Paralysis During Childhood: A Tomographic Study, Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, March 2026, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.03.043.
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