Israeli Woman Recovers Facial Nerve Function After Iranian Missile Injury in Rare Surgery

A young mother from Arad who was injured by an Iranian missile in March underwent a rare facial nerve reconstruction surgery at Assuta Ramat Hahayal Hospital. The surgery aimed to restore control over her facial expression muscles after she suffered right-side facial paralysis caused by shrapnel damage. The patient described how the procedure helped her understand the extent of her injury and expressed hope for recovery.

Dr. Tal 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, she later exhibited asymmetrical smiling, inability to raise her eyebrow, and incomplete eye closure, indicating facial nerve damage. Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg emphasized that facial nerve injuries are functional and medical issues, not merely aesthetic, affecting eye protection, eating, speaking, and emotional expression.

The complex microsurgical operation involved identifying and reconnecting severed branches of the upper division of the facial nerve using advanced nerve stimulation equipment. Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg, trained at Harvard’s Facial Nerve Center, performed the delicate procedure about four months after the injury. The patient noted ongoing recovery challenges but said the surgery would significantly improve her condition over time.

Medical staff highlighted an increase in head and facial injuries from shrapnel since the war began and stressed the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment within a critical window of several months for successful nerve reconstruction. Dr. Kaufman-Goldberg described restoring a patient’s smile as profoundly meaningful, as it returns a vital part of their identity and quality of life.

The patient conveyed a message of optimism, urging awareness that modern medical advances can restore health and function even after severe facial nerve injuries caused by war-related trauma.