Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
105.9K
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.
Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|August 23, 2023
Summary
Facial synkinesis management involves rehabilitation, botulinum toxin, and surgery. Treatment progresses from least to most invasive, balancing patient goals with risks for improved facial function.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Postparalytic facial synkinesis significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Aesthetic and functional deficits necessitate effective management strategies.
Approach:
- Review of current treatment options for facial synkinesis.
- Discussion of facial rehabilitation, chemodenervation (botulinum toxin), and surgical interventions.
- Analysis of stepwise progression from conservative to invasive methods.
Key Points:
- Facial rehabilitation and botulinum toxin are foundational treatments.
- Surgical options include myectomies, neurectomies, nerve transfers, and free muscle transplantation.
- Treatment is individualized based on patient needs and goals.
Conclusions:
- Management requires balancing patient aspirations with treatment risks.
- Emerging techniques show convergence in facial reanimation and synkinesis mitigation.
- Stepwise intervention from least to most invasive is typically employed.
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