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Updated: Jul 10, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Pediatric Facial Reanimation
Stephen P Hadford1, Dane J Genther2, Patrick J Byrne3
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue A71, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Abstract:
Pediatric facial palsy is rare but severely debilitating and results in profound functional, developmental, psychosocial, and esthetic consequences. Identifying the specific cause of the palsy is important in directing the treatment course. The most common etiologies of pediatric facial palsy are distinct from those of adults. Facial reanimation interventions are targeted to address the zones of the face, with oral/smile rehabilitation the most common region requiring intervention in pediatric patients. Gracilis microneurovascular free tissue transfer is safe and highly effective in the pediatric population, providing significant functional, psychosocial, and esthetic benefits.

