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Facial Nerve Repair: Practical Use of Nerve Connectors, Protectors, and Allografts

Presenters

Jessyka G. Lighthall

Dr. Jessyka G. Lighthall, MD, FACS

Division Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Professor
Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Dr. Jessyka G. Lighthall, MD, FACS

Dr. Lighthall is the founder and director of the multidisciplinary Facial Nerve Clinic, the medical director of Esteem Penn State Health Cosmetic Associates, and the director of the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship. Her practice encompasses a broad range of aesthetic and reconstructive conditions of the head and neck including the treatment of congenital deformities, facial paralysis and facial movement disorders, facial trauma, rhinoplasty, skin and head and neck cancer reconstruction, and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Lighthall has an active clinical outcomes research program with special interest in optimizing outcomes and facial paralysis, facial trauma, and an opioid sparing pain regimen.
Joshua D. Rosenberg

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD

Associate Professor, Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System
Director, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD

Dr. Rosenberg's practice includes the full spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on rhinoplasty, facial paralysis, facial aging, and facial gender affirmation surgery. In addition to his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, Dr. Rosenberg is involved in several ongoing research projects evaluating novel techniques in facial plastic surgery. His current research focuses on telehealth/digital healthcare, outcomes in facial reanimation surgery and facial gender affirmation surgery.

The practice of nerve repair continues to evolve alongside advances in science, surgical technique, and clinical care. Although resources supporting the use of nerve connectors, protectors, and processed allografts in peripheral nerve repair are expanding, literature guiding head and neck reanimation remains limited. Surgeons must optimize outcomes in facial nerve repair while balancing cost, efficiency, and the reduction of comorbidities. Achieving this goal requires a clear understanding of available nerve repair adjuncts and the current landscape of facial nerve reconstruction using allografts.

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • The motivation for pursuing connector-assisted repair and the distinction from nerve conduits
  • The pros and cons of using processed nerve allografts in facial nerve surgery
  • Cost, counseling, and institutional considerations when choosing between connectors and allografts
  • Controversies in facial nerve repair using allografts
  • Case series results across broad approaches for facial nerve repair and facial reanimation
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