Details.
A facial reanimation procedure for patients with long-term facial palsy, usually longer than two years. Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure harvests the gracilis muscle and associated blood vessels and nerves from the upper inner thigh, transfers it to the affected side of the face, attaches it to the upper lip, and connects it to facial blood vessels and the nerve responsible for muscle innervation. Patients typically spend one or two nights in the hospital, may experience leg and facial discomfort and swelling, and may begin seeing muscle movement 4 to 9 months after surgery. Specialized facial nerve physical therapy helps patients optimize their new smile and facial function.
