A Cosmetic Surgical Approach Effectively Reconstructed Facial Nerve Paralysis

In general, facial nerve palsy is treated by reconstructive surgeons, and the role of cosmetic surgeons is largely seen as secondary. The present report describes a case of refractory facial nerve palsy that arose after malignant parotid-tumor resection and high-dose radiotherapy, and that we reconstructed with a combination of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The procedures consisted of facelift techniques (lateral SMASectomy, creation of a nasolabial fold with three suture loops anchored at the temporal fascia, and frontal lift), a new wrinkle-removing technique wherein the frontal-muscle function was disrupted, and excision of surplus skin to rejuvenate the face. The outcomes were good, including at 1 year after surgery, and the 71-year-old patient expressed considerable satisfaction. The frontalis muscle resection effectively removed the wrinkles, helped balance the left and right sides, and permitted anti-aging surgery. This procedure has permanent effects, unlike other methods (eg, botulinum-toxin injections) that serve to weaken facial muscle function. It is notable that despite the high-dose radiotherapy the patient had received and the resulting extensive subcutaneous-tissue adhesion, our surgical protocol was relatively easy to perform as well as highly effective. Thus, even static reconstruction can give great hope and satisfaction to patients with facial nerve palsy.