[Facial paralysis. Treatment of upper eyelid occlusion by inclusion of a concealed gold plate]

Inclusion of a gold plate to oppose the action of the levator muscle has been proposed for a long time in the treatment of superior palpebral paralysis. Long-term ulceration of the overlying skin has generally led to the abandonment of this technique. The simultaneous insertion, in front of the gold plate, of a conchal cartilage graft, which is subsequently reinhabited, overcomes this disadvantage. This is a simple, rapid, reversible, effective procedure which is indicated essentially in longstanding or recent permanent facial paralysis, but also as temporary treatment while waiting for the results of suture, graft or anastomosis of the facial nerve.