Refinement in reanimation of the lower face

Both the temporalis muscle transfer and the static sling procedure are techniques that improve deglutition, speech, and aesthetics in patients who are afflicted with paralysis of the lower part of the face. A refinement that is applicable to either of these procedures is described. By bringing the perioral attachment of either the muscle or the static sling exactly to the midline of the upper and lower lips, the surgeon can make the patient's mouth more symmetrical. This simple refinement will improve the results obtained with either procedure and has not been associated with any increased perioperative risks or complications.