In the clinic, I often hear concerns after facial palsy has passed, such as “The corners of my mouth are different when I smile,” “My eye and mouth move together,” or “My face feels stiff and tight.” Facial palsy may recover well in the early stage, but if the degree of nerve damage is significant or the recovery process becomes prolonged, aftereffects can remain and place a burden on facial expression, eating, and relationships. Even for long-standing symptoms, it is important to assess the current tension and movement of the facial muscles and set a treatment direction.
What do sequelae after facial palsy look like?
Sequelae of Facial Palsy do not mean only simple left-right asymmetry. Synkinesis may appear, where the area around the mouth moves together when trying to close the eye, or the eye squints together when speaking or chewing. We also look for contracture, where facial muscles become stiff and tight, as well as fine twitching or spasms and tearing while eating.
In addition, some people continue to have discomfort such as eyes that dry easily, sensitivity to sound, changes in taste, or tinnitus-like symptoms. Even if symptoms seem minor, they can become fixed as habitual movements over time, so it is necessary to identify the remaining symptoms in detail.
Why consider thread embedding treatment?
Thread embedding treatment is a Korean medicine treatment that places medicinal threads, which gradually dissolve in the body, into necessary areas such as facial acupoints and fascial layers to provide continuous stimulation. As the threads are absorbed, it is used to induce local circulation and tissue responses, with the aim of easing tension in stiff areas and supporting recovery of weakened facial expression muscles.
For Sequelae of Facial Palsy, an approach that balances overly tense muscles and muscles that do not move well is more important than forcing the face to move strongly. The type, depth, direction, and number of threads vary depending on the facial condition, and bruising, swelling, or a foreign-body sensation may occur, so a plan is made after consultation.
We assess balance together with Jeongan Facial Acupuncture
For long-standing aftereffects, we look not only at the face but also at neck and shoulder tension, habits of using the temporomandibular joint, and fatigue around the eyes. Jeongan Facial Acupuncture is a treatment that delicately stimulates the face, surrounding muscles, and acupoints to help regulate tension in the facial expression muscles, and it can be applied together with thread embedding treatment.
If decreased stamina, lack of sleep, or reduced digestive function interferes with recovery, herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and other options may be considered together. Not all treatments are carried out in the same way; they are adjusted according to when the palsy occurred, the symptoms that remain now, and the condition of the skin and muscles.
Consultation is recommended in these cases
- When you continue to feel a left-right difference when smiling or speaking after facial palsy
- When another area moves together when you close your eye or move your mouth
- When the face feels tight or stiff, or spasms or twitching keep recurring
- When tearing during meals, dry eyes, or changes in taste remain
- When the sequelae are longstanding and you want to check whether treatment may be possible
However, if one side of the face suddenly droops and this is accompanied by weakness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, decreased consciousness, severe dizziness, or headache, emergency conditions such as stroke should be ruled out first. In these cases, please call 119 or go to the emergency room before visiting a Korean medicine clinic. If you are taking any medications, do not stop them on your own, and please tell us during your visit.
Treatment for sequelae of facial palsy is not only about expecting quick changes. It is a process of carefully assessing the remaining movement, avoiding excessive stimulation, and steadily restoring balance. Even if the discomfort has lasted a long time, checking your current condition can help set a direction for lifestyle management and treatment. If small facial discomforts are becoming a burden in daily life, we recommend seeking a consultation.