Peer-Reviewed Publications

This study developed FACE DROPS, a clinical risk assessment tool that helps physicians rapidly distinguish between facial palsy caused by Lyme disease and Bell’s palsy. Since these conditions require fundamentally different treatments, rapid differentiation is critical.

This study engineered novel viral capsids (AAV) that can deliver genes directly to tumors and nerves associated with neurofibromatosis. The engineered vectors successfully transduced both neurofibroma tissue and sciatic nerve in mice.

This study developed a faster, more efficient method for counting and measuring nerve fibers in regenerating peripheral nerves. The technique dramatically reduces the time and labor required for nerve regeneration analysis.

This paper presents maximum contrast projection, a computational technique that improves how researchers analyze stacks of biomedical images. The method enhances visibility of structures in complex microscopy data, making it easier to study nerve tissue.

This collaborative review summarizes cutting-edge optical techniques for studying the nervous system. It covers advances in multiphoton microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and other photonics tools transforming neuroscience research.

This paper reviews current techniques for managing lower eyelid problems in patients with facial paralysis. Eyelid malposition from facial nerve damage can cause chronic eye irritation, tearing, and risk of corneal damage, making correction essential.

This paper presents a surgical technique using a lower eyelid sling to correct lagophthalmos (inability to fully close the eye) in facial paralysis patients. The technique is effective for both primary correction and revision of prior unsuccessful procedures.

This study applied deep learning AI to automatically measure the anterior glottic angle in patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility. The AI system can predict outcomes and help guide treatment decisions for patients with voice and breathing difficulties.

This tutorial provides a practical guide to using multiphoton microscopy for neuroscience research. It covers the principles, setup, and applications of this advanced imaging technique for studying nerve tissue without chemical stains or dyes.

This study measured the impact of hair transplant surgery on quality of life using standardized health utility scales. The research quantified the significant psychological burden of pattern hair loss and substantial improvement after surgical restoration.

This review examines evidence-based strategies for managing surgical pain while minimizing opioid use. It evaluates non-opioid alternatives, regional nerve blocks, and multimodal pain management protocols for head and neck surgery.

This guide outlines effective strategies for plastic surgeons to protect their innovations through patents and intellectual property management. It covers the patent process and best practices for translating surgical innovations into protected technologies.

This study presents a simple, practical technique to prevent endotracheal tube cuff rupture during nasotracheal intubation, a common problem during facial and nasal surgery.

This study examined whether the Tinel sign (a tingling sensation when tapping over a nerve) and the number of myelinated axons in a cross-face nerve graft can predict the outcome of free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation. These findings help surgeons time and plan two-stage smile reconstruction surgery.

This study used machine learning to automatically assess whether a patient’s smile appears spontaneous and natural after smile reanimation surgery. The AI system objectively evaluates surgical outcomes by analyzing facial movement patterns during both voluntary and spontaneous smiling.

This paper describes surgical techniques for restoring sensation to the cornea in patients who have lost both facial nerve and trigeminal nerve function. Combined deficits leave the eye without both protective blinking and corneal sensation, creating severe risk of blindness.

This study achieved super-resolution fluorescence imaging of peripheral nerve tissue, revealing structural details not previously possible with conventional microscopy. The technique visualizes individual nerve fibers at nanometer-scale resolution.

This study demonstrated that multiphoton microscopy can produce detailed, multicolor images of peripheral nerve tissue without any chemical stains. Different nerve structures naturally emit distinct fluorescent signals under ultrafast laser illumination.

This study combined advanced microscopy with artificial intelligence to automatically analyze nerve tissue structure without traditional staining. The AI-powered system rapidly counts and measures nerve fibers, dramatically accelerating nerve regeneration research.

This study used a discrete choice experiment to determine surgeon preferences for nerve source selection during smile reanimation surgery. The research reveals how surgeons weigh trade-offs between different nerve donors—such as the masseter nerve versus the cross-face nerve graft.

This retrospective analysis compares current outcomes of gracilis free tissue transfer for facial paralysis with results from a decade ago. The study documents how surgical refinements over ten years have led to consistently better smile outcomes.

This study presents a novel surgical technique for simultaneously restoring both smile and lower lip movement using a single gracilis muscle transfer with two vectors of pull. Traditional techniques focus only on the upper lip, but this approach also addresses the lower lip for a more complete smile.

This doctoral work presents the design and testing of a novel neural prosthesis (bionic device) for restoring facial movement in a rat model of facial paralysis. The research explores using electrical stimulation and neural blocking to create a controllable, bidirectional system for facial reanimation.

This study identified a distinct group of patients with facial paralysis whose standard diagnostic workup comes back completely normal—termed FROWN. Understanding this presentation helps guide appropriate management and surveillance.

This critical review examines the current evidence supporting corneal neurotization—a surgical procedure that restores sensation to a numb cornea by transferring a healthy nerve. It evaluates the strength of evidence from published studies.

This review covers techniques for restoring sensation to the cornea and face in patients with trigeminal nerve damage. Loss of corneal sensation puts the eye at risk of ulceration and vision loss, making sensory neurotization a sight-saving procedure.

This study applied automated computer vision technology to track vocal fold movement in patients with vocal fold paralysis. The tool provides objective measurements from standard laryngoscopy video, reducing subjectivity in assessment.

This study developed and released an open-source computer vision tool for automatically tracking vocal fold movement from standard endoscopy video. Making the tool freely available democratizes access to objective voice assessment technology.

This study characterized the fluorescent properties of Fluoro-Gold, a widely used neuronal tracer dye, under two-photon excitation microscopy. Understanding tracer behavior enables more accurate tracking of nerve pathways in research settings.

This review outlines surgical techniques for restoring both movement and sensation to the lower lip in patients with facial paralysis. Lower lip dysfunction causes difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking, yet is often overlooked in facial reanimation planning.

This study identified a previously unrecognized cause of delayed facial paralysis: granuloma formation around polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) felt used during microvascular decompression surgery. The foreign body reaction can compress the facial nerve months or years after the procedure.

This study created a standardized photographic and video reference set showing the full spectrum of facial palsy presentations. This clinical standard enables consistent comparison of facial palsy severity across institutions and over time.

This editorial critiques the use of processed cadaveric nerve grafts (acellular nerve allografts) for corneal neurotization, arguing that their limited regenerative capacity makes them suboptimal. The author advocates for autologous nerve grafts for corneal sensory restoration.

This study presents a comprehensive computer-aided system for automatically assessing facial palsy severity. Using advanced image processing and machine learning, the system objectively measures facial symmetry and movement from photographs and videos.

This study demonstrated that stimulated Raman spectroscopy can analyze peripheral nerve structure without any chemical staining. The technique identifies different nerve tissue components based on their molecular signatures, enabling rapid nerve assessment.

This study presents a novel implantable wireless device for continuously monitoring nerve function in animal models of entrapment neuropathy (nerve compression). The device enables real-time tracking of nerve damage progression.

This case report identifies an important anatomic variant of the ansa cervicalis (a neck nerve commonly used as a donor for nerve transfer) that renders it unsuitable. Awareness of this variant prevents surgical complications during facial reanimation.

This pilot study tested the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) for ablating dental root tissue, evaluating its precision and thermal effects. Unlike conventional dental lasers that cause heat damage, PIRL removes tissue with minimal thermal injury.

This study measured how society values the health impact of hypertrophic (raised) facial port-wine stain birthmarks and their laser treatment. The research quantified the significant psychosocial burden these birthmarks carry.

This study measured the quality of life associated with nasal defects from cancer resection and subsequent reconstruction options. It compared surgical reconstruction with prosthetic rehabilitation.

This study evaluated whether using two nerve sources (dual innervation) for gracilis muscle transfer produces more spontaneous-looking smiles than single nerve innervation. The cross-face nerve component contributes emotional spontaneity while the masseteric nerve provides reliable excursion.

This study investigated how observers perceive emotional expression in patients before and after smile reanimation surgery. The research demonstrated that smile restoration fundamentally changes how others perceive a patient’s emotional state and approachability.

This study reports five years of outcomes using masseteric nerve (fifth cranial nerve, used for chewing) to facial nerve transfer for smile restoration. The masseteric nerve has become a reliable workhorse for powering facial reanimation due to its consistent anatomy and strong signal.

This study captured the patient experience of learning to smile using a nerve-to-masseter-driven muscle transfer. Through detailed patient interviews, the research documents the adaptation process, the emotional impact of regaining a smile, and the practical challenges during recovery.

This groundbreaking study presents a novel ‘bionic face’ concept—a neuroprosthetic device that combines neural blockade (temporarily paralyzing the healthy side) with functional electrical stimulation (activating the paralyzed side) to restore symmetric facial movement. The concept was validated in a rat model.

This study presents a novel technique for corneal neurotization using the great auricular nerve (from behind the ear) combined with scleral-corneal tunnel incisions. This provides a reliable nerve source for restoring corneal sensation in neurotrophic keratopathy.

This study demonstrated that unmyelinated nerve fibers—the smallest and most difficult to visualize—can be resolved without chemical stains using fluorescence microscopy in transgenic mice. This enables researchers to study the full spectrum of nerve fiber types during regeneration.

This study developed a rapid protocol for counting myelinated nerve fibers during surgery, with specific application to cross-facial nerve grafting. The technique allows surgeons to assess nerve quality in real-time rather than waiting days for pathology.

This study developed an improved nanoscale microscopy system combining two-photon excitation with stimulated emission depletion (STED), achieving super-resolution imaging with better efficiency and less laser power.

This study measured society’s perception of the health impact of facial paralysis and the value of surgical reanimation using standardized health utility instruments. The research demonstrated that facial paralysis carries a health burden comparable to serious medical conditions.

This study examines the secondary procedures and surgical refinements commonly performed after initial gracilis free tissue transfer for smile reanimation. Understanding the refinement process helps patients set realistic expectations about their complete treatment journey.

This paper presents a combined approach to treating long-standing flaccid facial paralysis using free gracilis muscle transfer for dynamic smile restoration plus static facial suspension for overall facial support. The dual approach addresses both movement and resting facial symmetry.

This study reports the long-term outcomes of gracilis free tissue transfer for smile reanimation in pediatric patients. Children with facial paralysis face unique challenges, and this research demonstrates that smile restoration surgery provides durable results that grow with the child.

This study reports outcomes of free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation in patients who developed facial paralysis following treatment for advanced parotid (salivary gland) cancer. These patients face unique challenges due to prior radiation and extensive surgery.

This study quantitatively measured facial soft-tissue movement dynamics in patients with unilateral facial paralysis using 3D motion capture. The research establishes baseline measurements for evaluating treatment outcomes.

This editorial introduces a comprehensive clinical guide to diagnosing and managing facial palsy, covering the full spectrum from acute Bell’s palsy to chronic paralysis requiring surgical intervention.

This landmark review provides a comprehensive framework for managing all types of facial palsy, categorizing patients into five management domains based on injury timing and nerve status. It serves as the definitive guide for navigating the complex landscape of facial paralysis treatment.

This study used advanced 3D imaging to compare facial soft tissue shape and symmetry between patients with cleft lip/palate and those with facial paralysis, identifying both shared and distinct patterns of facial asymmetry.

This study presents a minimally invasive technique for modifying the nasolabial fold (smile line) in patients with facial paralysis. The approach uses a small, hidden incision to improve facial symmetry with minimal scarring.

This study developed a machine learning algorithm for automatically measuring facial landmarks and calculating clinical metrics in facial palsy patients. The AI system objectively assesses facial symmetry from standard photographs.

This study developed an automated system for tracking eyelid movement and blink patterns in an animal model of facial paralysis. The technology enables precise, objective measurement of eye closure function—a critical parameter in facial paralysis research.

This study developed a high-throughput method for evaluating nerve guidance conduits (artificial tubes used to bridge nerve gaps) using fluorescent reporter mice. The approach enables rapid screening of different conduit designs.

This guide provides practical instructions for establishing a super-resolution microscopy facility for biomedical research. It covers equipment selection, optical alignment, and best practices for achieving nanometer-scale imaging.

This study improved multiphoton STED nanoscopy by implementing SPLIT (Separation of Photons by Lifetime Tuning). The advancement enables higher-resolution imaging with less phototoxicity for studying nerve tissue.

This study measured how hair loss affects health-related quality of life and how much hair transplant surgery improves it, in both men and women. The results provide objective evidence of the psychological impact of alopecia.

This study demonstrated that weakening the depressor anguli oris muscle (which pulls the corner of the mouth down) on the affected side improves smile symmetry in patients with post-paralytic facial palsy. The technique addresses a common cause of asymmetric smiling after nerve recovery.

This study found that women who develop Bell’s palsy during late pregnancy or shortly after delivery experience worse long-term facial nerve recovery compared to non-pregnant patients. The findings have important implications for management of pregnant patients with facial paralysis.

This study found that corticosteroid treatment in patients with Lyme disease-associated facial palsy is associated with worse long-term outcomes. The finding challenges the common practice of treating all facial paralysis with steroids before confirming the cause.

This study provides the first standardized functional and cosmetic assessment of patients who received a facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap, evaluating its impact on facial movement and appearance.

This study validated the reliability of the eFACE facial grading system by testing whether clinicians produce consistent scores across different times and assessment methods. The results confirmed eFACE as a reliable outcome measure.

This international study validated the eFACE facial nerve grading system across multiple countries and clinical settings. By testing eFACE with clinicians worldwide, the research confirmed it as a reliable, universal standard for assessing facial palsy severity.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the submental artery and vein (vessels under the chin) for connecting the blood supply during free gracilis muscle transfer. This alternative vascular option is useful when the standard facial artery is unavailable.

This 13-year retrospective study characterizes the rare condition of bilateral facial paralysis, where both sides of the face are affected. The research provides one of the largest case series analyzing causes, treatments, and outcomes.

This study compared newer facial grading methods with traditional systems for assessing facial paralysis severity. The research evaluated which approaches provide the most accurate, clinically useful information for tracking patient outcomes.

This study determined which specific facial features contribute most to perceived disfigurement in facial palsy patients. By weighting different grading variables against perceived severity, the research identifies which aspects of facial paralysis matter most for quality of life.

This study analyzed lymph node yield from neck dissection surgery in laryngectomy patients and its influence on cancer outcomes. The number of lymph nodes examined is an important quality indicator in cancer surgery.

This study examines the role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in managing head and neck cancer from a European perspective. It provides a decision-making framework for selecting candidates and integrating robotic surgery into multidisciplinary cancer treatment.

This study evaluated long-term hearing and balance outcomes after retrosigmoid surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). The research helps patients understand realistic expectations for hearing and balance after tumor removal.

This comprehensive review evaluates the scientific evidence behind different facial reanimation techniques, providing surgeons with an evidence-based framework for choosing among nerve transfers, muscle transfers, and static procedures.

This review presents the state-of-the-art approach to facial reanimation, covering modern surgical techniques for restoring facial movement after paralysis. It integrates the latest advances in nerve transfer surgery, free tissue transfer, and adjunctive procedures into a comprehensive treatment algorithm.

This study developed and validated a clinical assay for measuring smile spontaneity—the degree to which a patient’s smile occurs naturally in response to emotion rather than requiring conscious effort. The tool provides an objective way to assess one of the most important outcomes of smile reanimation.

This comprehensive review covers the modern approach to diagnosing and treating Bell’s palsy, the most common cause of sudden facial weakness. It discusses evidence for medical treatment, physical therapy, and surgical options for patients who do not recover fully.

This study demonstrated that the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) can perform corneal trephination (cutting corneal tissue for transplant surgery) without the tissue deformation caused by traditional mechanical methods, preserving natural corneal curvature.

This study demonstrated that the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) causes dramatically less thermal (heat) damage to laryngeal tissue than conventional surgical lasers. Reducing thermal injury during voice box surgery helps preserve vocal function and speeds healing.

This case report identifies a diagnostic pitfall where silver nitrate cautery residue in the throat mimics the appearance of a foreign body on imaging studies. Awareness prevents unnecessary invasive procedures.

This study compared hearing outcomes following stapedotomy (surgery for otosclerosis-related hearing loss) performed under local versus general anesthesia. The research helps inform the choice of anesthetic technique for this delicate middle ear surgery.

This study presents preliminary results of using the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) for corneal transplant surgery (keratoplasty). The PIRL’s ability to cut tissue with minimal thermal damage offers potential advantages for this precision eye surgery.

This study demonstrated that the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) can precisely cut bone without causing thermal or acoustic mechanical injury associated with conventional surgical tools. This has implications for skull base, spinal, and dental surgery.

This study compared the microsecond Er:YAG laser with the superpulsed CO₂ laser for laryngeal surgery, finding that the Er:YAG laser produces significantly less collateral thermal damage. Wavelength-optimized lasers can improve voice box surgery outcomes.

This study evaluated whether anatomical scoring systems can predict laryngeal (voice box) injuries following endotracheal intubation for ENT surgery. Understanding risk factors helps prevent post-operative voice problems.

This research comprehensively characterized the thermal effects of the novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) during ablation of both soft tissue and bone. The work established the foundational science demonstrating PIRL’s ability to cut tissue with negligible heat generation.

This study directly compared heat generation during skin ablation between the conventional erbium:YAG laser and the novel picosecond infrared laser (PIRL). PIRL produced significantly less heat, demonstrating its potential for skin surgery with minimal thermal damage.

This study presents the first preliminary results of using the picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) for laryngeal surgery. The novel laser demonstrated precise tissue removal with minimal collateral damage, showing significant potential for improving voice box surgical outcomes.

This randomized controlled study demonstrated that practicing surgical skills on bench models improves novice surgeons’ ability to multitask during procedures. The finding supports simulation-based training for the complex demands of real surgery.

This comprehensive review covers current techniques for reconstructing cheek defects, including local flaps, regional flaps, and free tissue transfer. The paper provides a systematic approach to choosing the appropriate method based on defect characteristics.

This study developed a novel fiberoptic probe system for precisely measuring airway diameter and shape from inside the airway. The technology enables accurate assessment of airway narrowing, critical for diagnosing and treating airway stenosis.

This study demonstrated that self-directed practice with computer-based video training is an effective method for acquiring surgical skills. The research supports video-based instruction as a supplement to traditional surgical education.