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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Minimization of facial synkinesis
Raisa Tikhtman1, Tsung-Yen Hsieh
1Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
To summarize the treatment options available for the management of postparalytic facial synkinesis which include facial rehabilitation, chemodenervation, and a spectrum of surgical interventions.
Recent Findings:
Facial rehabilitation and botulinum toxin chemodenervation represent the foundation of facial synkinesis management, with specific treatment paradigms directed by individual patient needs. Evolving surgical approaches range from isolated selective myectomies or neurectomies to combination approaches which may incorporate various types of nerve transfer with gracilis free muscle transplantation.
Summary:
Postparalytic facial synkinesis bears significant patient morbidity due to aesthetic and functional implications. Management strategies must balance patient goals with treatment risks and typically progress stepwise from the least to most invasive interventions. Emerging techniques reveal a convergence in approaches to facial reanimation and synkinesis mitigation.
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