Abstract
Numerous options are available for rehabilitation of chronic facial nerve paralysis, ranging from simple slings to complex procedures such as microneurovascular tissue transfer. Microneurovascular muscle transfer is generally indicated: 1) if the patient desires dynamic facial reanimation, particularly restoration of involuntary emotional facial expressions; 2) in the absence of distal facial nerve fibers or motor endplate fucntion; 3) with an associated large soft tissue defect in the cheek; and 4) when other dynamic reanimation procedures have not been successful. The most commonly used free flaps for facial reanimation are gracilis, latissimus dorsi and inferior rectus abdominus muscle. When successfully performed free flaps yield excellent functional and aesthetic results in facial reanimation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 357-359 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Facial Plastic Surgery |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Facial paralysis
- Facial reanimation
- Microvascular free flaps
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery