Dynamic correction of unilateral paralysis of the lower lip

We present a simple operation, performed under local anesthesia, to restore essential movement to the side of a lower lip paralyzed by injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The operation consists of a limited lateral resection of the paralyzed lower lip, plus transposition of the segment of orbicularis muscle from the paralyzed lower lip to the normal upper lip, through a subcutaneous tunnel.