Vanessa,
The facial nerve (C7) splits into several branches after it comes through the facial canal, one of which is the buccal branch that controls the orbit of the mouth.
In my situation during the mandiblectomy/fibular free flap surgery my facial nerve was damaged just as it exited the facial canal (which is really close to the mandible) and it paralyzed the entire right side of my face. I was told this could be a complication before the surgery due to how close they had to come to the facial canal and how large of area my tumor took up. Due to this complication, my lip droops on my right side, as well as other issues as the entire right side of my face is down. I actually had to have a gold weight surgically implanted in my eyelid as it no longer would blink...I've got "bling" on the inside
The drooling/drooping will never go away on it's own...what your Dr maybe referring to is that radiation can cause the loss of soft tissue that does "tighten" the area and over time the buccal muscles will atrophy due to lack of nerve impulse causing them to shrink, but in my case it hasn't made it less noticeable.
Eating and drinking will be an issue for several reasons. The buccal branch not just controls the ability to close your mouth but also fires the Buccinator muscle that contols the cheeks during chewing..as well as other muscles that help facial expression and even your nasal flaring. After two years I've learned to adjust to this and can eat most things, but I carry napkins with me all the time and wear darker shirts as it is messy to eat and drink.
Now, there is something that has a chance at correcting the issue though. I had an operation done at the University of Washington Medical Center by Dr. Kristen Moe that has a chance of reenervating my facial muscles. The do a C7/C12 switch, a nerve graft, basically replacing the damaged part of the C7 (facial) nerve and replace it with part of your C12 (hypoglossal or tongue) nerve. In my case they had to use 100% of my C12 to graft into my facial nerve to give me the best chance of restored facial function.
I'm still in recovery from the surgery, it takes over 12 months before they'll be able to tell whether it worked or not, however it gives me a chance at restored facial function. My attitude anymore is I really don't mind if it works or not...I've learned to adjust to the challenges that the paralysis poses. However if it does work...great, I've got my face back.
Hope that helps
Eric
