Inside Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Facial Nerve Disorders Program
Facial paralysis affects far more than appearance — it can reshape how a person experiences the world. Smiling, blinking, and showing emotion are essential forms of connection, and when those expressions are lost, the emotional toll can be immense.
At the Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI), Amit Kochhar, MD, is leading a program that goes beyond surgical restoration — it’s about rebuilding confidence, relieving pain, and helping patients feel whole again.
Healing That Goes Beyond the Surface
Dr. Kochhar is double board-certified in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one of few specialists on the West Coast offering comprehensive care for facial nerve disorders. His approach is deeply personal: each patient receives individualized care that blends advanced microsurgery with empathy, education, and long-term rehabilitation.
For many, the impact is transformative:
“I suffer from facial paralysis on the right side of my face and my self-esteem was extremely low. After seeing Dr. Kochhar, I am back to feeling beautiful and confident. From not being able to smile, I can now smile at 95%. My friends and family see the dramatic change—Dr. Kochhar truly changed my life!” – Healthgrades Review
“Relief for the first time! I’ve had Ramsay Hunt syndrome for four years that left me with nerve pain and tightness. With Dr. Kochhar’s help, I was actually able to smile again. I’ll never be back to the old me, but the now me is pretty darn good.” – Healthgrades Review
“Dr. Kochhar expertly lifted my eyebrow and connected me with a neuro-ophthalmologist who fixed my eye so I could close it again. I don’t feel the need to hide anymore. I’m forever grateful for his care.” – Yelp Review
These stories reflect the heart of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program — compassionate, restorative care that treats both the physical and emotional effects of facial paralysis.
A Multispecialty Program for Complex Needs 
Patients treated by Dr. Kochhar benefit from the multidisciplinary network at PNI, including:
- Facial rehabilitation therapy, focused on retraining muscles and improving coordination
- Neuro-ophthalmology for eyelid and vision protection
- Neuro-oncologic psychiatry, led by Dr. Shanthi Gowrinathan, offering specialized mental health support for patients recovering from tumor-related facial paralysis
- Collaborative surgical planning with neurosurgeons, head and neck specialists, and facial plastic surgeons
“I believe anyone can put nerves back together,” says Dr. Kochhar, “but recovery depends on a team. The therapists, physicians, and staff who help patients rebuild confidence — that’s where true healing happens.”
Dedicated Care, Ongoing Education
The Facial Nerve Disorders Clinic meets the first and third Tuesday of every month, allowing Dr. Kochhar and his team to dedicate uninterrupted time to patients navigating facial paralysis, synkinesis, or nerve injury.
But the program’s reach extends far beyond the clinic. Every few months, PNI hosts virtual facial nerve webinars for patients and caregivers — covering everything from surgical options to mental health. Recent topics have included:
- Exploring the Link Between Facial Synkinesis and Mental Health – featuring Dr. Shiayan Yang, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Allografts and Repair Devices in Nerve Repair – featuring Dr. Joshua Rosenberg, Mount Sinai Facial Plastic Surgery
- Innovations in the Assessment, Education, and Management of Facial Paralysis – hosted in collaboration with the Acoustic Neuroma Association
These educational sessions provide space for patients to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from leading experts in facial nerve restoration.
Advancing the Field: The Annual Facial Nerve Symposium
As Course Director for PNI’s Annual Facial Nerve Symposium, Dr. Kochhar brings together physicians, therapists, and researchers from across the world to share best practices in facial reanimation and rehabilitation.
Now entering its third year in February 2026, this event highlights global collaboration in facial nerve care.
“The symposium allows us not only to teach others how to better care for their facial paralysis patients,” Dr. Kochhar explains, “but also to exchange ideas with some of the top specialists in the nation. Together, we’re raising the standard of care for patients everywhere.”
Hope, Expertise, and Compassion
From life-changing surgeries to small but meaningful improvements, the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is helping patients rediscover movement, confidence, and connection.
“Dr. Kochhar is very kind, caring, and thoughtful. Thanks to him and his colleagues, I don’t feel the need to hide anymore. I’m so grateful to be in his care.” – Healthgrades Review
For many, that restored ability to smile again represents much more than healing — it’s the return of joy, identity, and self-assurance.
Facial Nerve Disorders Program
📍 Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute
📞 310-829-8701
