Dynamic reanimation for facial palsy: an overview

Abstract

Facial paralysis can have a profound effect on the patient from both an aesthetic and functional point of view. The symptoms depend on which branch of the nerve has been damaged and the severity of the injury. The purpose of this paper is to review currently available treatments for dynamic reanimation of a damaged facial nerve, and the goals are a symmetrical and coordinated smile. Careful selection of patients and use of the appropriate surgical technique can have excellent results.

Keywords: Dynamic facial reanimation; Facial palsy; Muscle transplant; Nerve graft; Nerve repair.