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.
KEYWORD
Facial paralysis - Facial reanimation - microvascular free flaps
