BELL'S PALSY
Bell's palsy, also known as 7th nerve palsy, is a result of temporary weakness or permanent paralysis of the facial nerve. This nerve controls muscles of facial expression, lacrimal innervation, eyelid movement, muscles of the forehead and neck. This means that every time you smile, laugh, blink, wink, close your eyes, raise your brows, frown, blow a whistle, and make funny faces you are using the facial nerve. The majority of the time Bell's palsy involves one side of the face, however bilateral cases have been reported.
There are multiple causes of 7th nerve palsy. You need to choose the right doctor to evaluate the palsy. Often times a definitive cause cannot be found.
Bell’s palsy can cause facial asymmetry and long-term effects. There are ways to help the symmetry and make the asymmetry less obvious. It can also cause long term tearing issues that are worse while chewing.
There are multiple surgical and non-surgical options to help compensate with any facial asymmetry and tearing you may be experiencing. Each case will need to be evaluated in person at the office by the doctor.
THE AGING FACE
Upper Eyelids: The skin on the upper eyelids is thin and loses elasticity as we age. This leads to excess skin and a tired appearance.
Lower Eyelids: The skin on the lower eyelids also stretches with time. The tensile strength of the eyelid decreases which results in a mild to moderate eyelid droop. Orbital fat protrudes which leads to a “puffy bag” on the lower eyelids. The volume around the eye also decreases leading to “hollowness” around the lower eyelids.
Eyebrows: With time, the soft fatty tissue beneath the eyebrows lessens. The fat in the temples also dissipates leading to a mild brow droop.
Midface: Loses volume and descends. Making the face look aged and tired. This creates lines around the mouth. A full midface creates a more youthful appearance.
Lips: Get thinner and lose volume as we age.
Nasolabial: The nasolabial lines is the line from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of the mouth. As we age, it becomes prominent because the midface droops and we lose volume.
Jawline: The jawline becomes less defined as we age.
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MEET DR. MACQUAID
Dr. MacQuaid is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon. An Oculoplastic Surgeon is someone who specializes exclusively in reconstructive, revision and cosmetic surgery of the eyes and surrounding tissue. She completed her fellowship at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. MacQuaid's services range from cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and eyebrows to the midface. Dr. MacQuaid is a renowned expert in reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, eyebrows, tear duct surgery, thyroid eye disease, and tumors. She has advanced training in non-surgical facial rejuvenation such as Botox®, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Radiesse® and Laser Resurfacing. She offers the latest technology available to patients.
Dr. MacQuaid is currently a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Aside from Ophthalmology, Dr. MacQuaid is a former Division One college athlete. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband Jerry and their two children.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
and Oculoplastic Surgeon
9 Schilling Road Suite LL8
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031
479 Jumpers Hole Road Suite 106
Severna Park, MD 21146
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.