Israeli Woman Injured by Iranian Missile Undergoes Rare Facial Nerve Reconstruction Surgery

A young mother from Arad who was injured in March by an Iranian missile fragment underwent a rare facial nerve reconstruction surgery at Assuta Ramat Hahayal Hospital. The surgery aimed to restore control over the muscles of facial expression after she suffered right-side facial paralysis due to shrapnel damage. The patient recounted how she initially did not understand the extent of her facial nerve injury until Dr. Tal Kaufman-Goldberg diagnosed her condition and explained the medical implications beyond aesthetics.

Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in facial nerve repair, explained that the patient initially received emergency treatment elsewhere to remove foreign bodies and close wounds. However, during rehabilitation, asymmetry in her smile, inability to raise her eyebrow, and incomplete eye closure indicated facial nerve damage. The doctor emphasized that facial nerve injuries affect essential functions such as eye protection, eating, speaking, and emotional expression, and have significant psychosocial impacts.

The complex microsurgical procedure was performed four months after the injury, involving identification and repair of severed nerve branches using advanced microsurgical techniques and selective nerve stimulation equipment. Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg, trained at Harvard’s Facial Nerve Center, described finding all branches of the upper facial nerve division severed and conducting a primary reconstruction. The patient noted ongoing recovery challenges and additional painful surgeries but expressed optimism about the surgery’s potential to improve her condition.

Medical staff highlighted an increase in head and facial injuries from shrapnel since the war began, stressing the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention within a critical window of several months for successful nerve reconstruction. Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg underscored the emotional significance of restoring a patient’s smile, which is integral to identity and communication. The patient conveyed a hopeful message encouraging awareness and perseverance, affirming that recovery and a return to good health are possible with modern medical advances.