About Our Facial Paralysis Specialists

Facial paralysis and synkinesis can be a very challenging and frightening experience, whether you, your child, or a loved one is the patient. The causes for these conditions may often be quite difficult to diagnose and the treatment complex because each patient is affected differently. Dr. Shai Rozen directs the Microsurgery and Facial Palsy Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, one of the most active facial paralysis programs in the world. He has performed more than 3,000 facial paralysis cases and manages approximately 80 to 100 new cases per year. Together with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, he offers expertise, compassion, and hope. The team has helped many patients from all over the world improve facial function, balance, and self-confidence with a range of the latest treatment options available. We welcome you to learn more about us.

Our Philosophy

Our ultimate goal in the treatment of facial paralysis and synkinesis is to bring the patient as close as possible to their pre-paralysis appearance and function; we do everything in our power to help our patients get back as close as possible to normal. The causes of facial paralysis differ widely. Although there are many similarities among facial palsy patients, each is quite unique in the way they present and their specific problems. We perform a condition-specific evaluation of nerve function, duration of paralysis, and recovery potential for each patient before choosing a treatment pathway. Care continues from initial diagnosis through surgical reconstruction and long-term follow-up, which may span several weeks to several years. By seeking care as early as possible from doctors with expertise in a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, patients can optimize their recovery.

Our Multispecialty Team

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our team works under the leadership of Dr. Rozen, Professor and Vice-Chair of Research and Development in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Microsurgery and Facial Palsy Program. Our close-knit team of specialists includes:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
• Neurotologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Neurologists
• Radiologists
• Specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Nurses

This diversity of specialties allows us to effectively treat complex problems as a team, depending on the specific patient presentation. It also allows patients to be seen by several specialists who communicate with each other on a regular basis, all under one roof with short wait times. Learn more about our team by visiting the following pages:

• Dr. Shai Rozen
• Our Staff

Review patient testimonials to learn how our group has helped improve the lives of our many patients.

Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Rozen also offers aesthetic facial plastic surgery, including individualized facelift and neck lift surgery. His detailed understanding of the facial nerve, muscles, and soft tissue comes from his facial paralysis work and his fellowship training in craniofacial and peripheral nerve surgery. It supports natural-looking results and facial nerve safety, including for patients who have had a previous facelift.

Our World-Class Facility

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our facial paralysis specialists not only diagnose and treat complex problems, they do so as efficiently as possible in one convenient location. We take special care to minimize the time it takes to perform evaluations. When patients require treatment from multiple surgical teams, we coordinate their care to optimize efficiency.

Because we often see patients from distant locations in the United States and other countries, we offer travel guidance and interpreters. We make every effort to minimize the number of visits needed.

Learn more about our clinic and UTSW Clements University Hospital.