Grinning big: Facial reanimation returns the gift of a smile

OHSU offers a variety of treatment options for people with facial paralysis

By Franny White September 27, 2018 Portland, Oregon

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VIDEO DOWNLOAD: Facial reanimation patient

(OHSU)

Before and after photos of Jarmila "Jarm" Hawes, who had facial reanimation surgery. Hawes was left with one side of her face severely paralyzed following a stroke in 2015. Myriam Loyo Li, M.D. at OHSU was able to transfer nerves from one side of a patient's face and tongue to the other, which eventually allowed Hawes to regain the ability to smile. (Photo courtesy Dr. Myriam Loyo)

Facial reanimation at OHSU

Following a stroke in 2015, Jarmila "Jarm" Hawes was left with one side of her face severely paralyzed. A surgeon at OHSU was able to transfer nerves from one side of Hawes' face and tongue to the other, which eventually allowed her to regain the ability to smile. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Facial reanimation at OHSU

Following a stroke in 2015, Jarmila "Jarm" Hawes (left) was left with one side of her face severely paralyzed. Myriam Loyo Li, M.D., at OHSU, was able to transfer nerves from one side of Hawes' face and tongue to the other, which eventually allowed Hawes to regain some movement and the ability to smile. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Facial reanimation at OHSU

Myriam Loyo Li, M.D. at OHSU worked with patient Jarmila "Jarm" Hawes was left with one side of her face severely paralyzed following a stroke in 2015. Loyo Li was able to transfer nerves from one side of a patient's face and tongue to the other, which eventually allowed Hawes to regain the ability to smile. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Facial reanimation at OHSU

Myriam Loyo Li, M.D. (2018)

Myriam Loyo Li, M.D., assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine and part of the newly created OHSU Facial Nerve Center. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)