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Updated: May 14, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Proboscis lateralis
S Martin1, E Hogan, E P Sorenson
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies.
Introduction:
Proboscis lateralis is a rare congenitally acquired facial abnormality characterized by a soft-tissue tube- or trunk-like appendage projecting from the surface of the face, most frequently rooted in the medial canthal region. Proboscis lateralis is generally associated with a wide range of concomitant craniofacial anomalies, giving rise to multiple theories describing the embryological pathogenesis and various classification systems to account for the pathological associations.
Results/Conclusion:
This paper provides a literature review of the rare manifestations of proboscis lateralis and represents a summary of current literature related to embryological pathogenesis, definitive diagnosis, and surgical management approaches.
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