Session 8: Facial Reanimation in Acoustic Neuroma – Timing, Options & Outcomes
This session provides an overview of facial reanimation for the treatment of facial paralysis following acoustic neuroma, with a focus on surgical options, timing of intervention, and expected outcomes. It will address the emotional and psychosocial impact of facial changes, the pace and variability of recovery, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. Post-surgical rehabilitation approaches that support and enhance outcomes, such as facial neuromuscular retraining, will also be explored. Patient experiences will be highlighted to illustrate both functional and quality-of-life aspects of recovery.
About Dr. Baltzer
Dr. Heather Baltzer is Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University Health Network (UHN) and Director of the Toronto Western Hand Program. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto and a Clinician Investigator at the Krembil Research Institute. After completing her plastic surgery residency in Toronto, she pursued fellowship training in Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her clinical practice focuses on peripheral nerve reconstruction and facial nerve paralysis and dysfunction. She founded the Facial Paralysis Program at UHN in 2016.
