Center for Facial Paralysis Surgery & Functional Restoration

Functional Free Muscle Flap

In congenital cases of facial paralysis such as Moebius Syndrome or Craniofacial Microsomia, the facial muscles often have failed to fully develop. Individuals with facial paralysis that has been left untreated for two or more years often develop scaring of the facial muscles and loss of its chemical messaging system producing atrophied muscle that can no longer contract.

The Functional Free Muscle Flap technique involves transplanting a segment of muscle and its associated nerve to the cheek for smile restoration.

After a period of approximately six months, movement will usually start to develop in the transplanted muscle producing a smile. The strength and character of the smile typically continues to improve over several years.

Learn about the facial paralysis doctor, Michael Klebuc, M.D.

After a period of approximately six months, movement will usually start to develop in the transplanted muscle producing a smile. The strength and character of the smile typically continues to improve over several years .

Once a smile appears, electrical stimulation therapy and a home exercise program is often initiated. Over a several year period a process of learning and adaptation occurs frequently improving the quality, strength and control of the reconstructed smile.