Bringing Smiles to Children

Speaker: Dr. Gregory Borshel

Dr. Borschel discussed restorative operations on children who cannot smile due to facial paralysis.

About the Speaker: Dr. Borschel is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Riley Hospital for Children. His practice focuses on pediatric nerve injuries, corneal neurotization, facial paralysis, congenital hand surgery, and microvascular reconstruction. His research laboratory develops treatments for nerve injuries and improving patient outcomes. He works with neuroscientists, engineers, and doctors around the world to improve treatments for patients with these conditions. He has published over 130 original peer-reviewed publications and four textbooks on Plastic Surgery.

View a Zoom recording of this talk at: https://www.scientechclubvideos.org/zoom/02172025.mp4

Dr. Borschel stated that the work of electrophysiologist and neurologist Guillaume Duchenne (1806-1857) enabled modern advances in nerve and muscle restoration. Acute loss of the ability to smile requires nerve restoration. However, non-acute cases also require muscle transplants. Long term loss of the ability to smile impairs true emotional spontaneity and leads to personality changes. The restoration surgery is a two-step process. First an incision is made on the normal side to harvest the nerve and muscle. Then the restoration is performed on the affected side. In some cases, nerves from non-facial sites are used.

Patients are highly motivated and perform well in post-operative rehabilitation. The whole personality changes. Abilities to interact with others are enhanced.  Alumni patients like to speak about their experiences and mentor new patients. The most important criteria to demonstrate for insurance coverage is improved functionality, including the prevention of other health, mental, and social problems.

Dr. Gregory Borschel