[Lengthening temporalis myoplasty and transfacial nerve graft (VII-V). Technical note]

Authors report the first five cases of lengthening temporalis myoplasty associated with transfacial nerve grafting. After a follow-up period of 10 months and 8 months for the 2 first cases, temporalis reinnervation by the facial nerve could be observed. Nerve growth was documented by electromyography. Three other cases have been performed using this technique and are in the nerve growth phase. Operative technique is described in detail. Transfacial nerve grafting seems to help the transposed temporalis muscle obtain more facial function and therefore, improve the quality of the spontaneous smile. The temporalis muscle become double innervated (trigeminal and facial nerve). It should be indicated in children, young adults or in patients in whom physical therapy will be difficult.