Reanimation e rehabilitation of the paralyzed face

The goal in reanimation and rehabilitation for the paralyzed face is to recover some of the essential facial movements of the forehead, eye, cheek and lip.

Nowadays techniques for correcting facial paralysis are not perfect, but they go a long way toward obtaining the goal of total (or almost partial) restoration to the normal site.

The techniques reported in the literature are of different type (microvascular free muscle transplantation, cross-face nerve grafting, hypoglossal-facial anastomosis, etc.).

One of the most common technique is transfer of contiguous facial muscles: the temporalis, masseter and frontalis innervated by the fifth cranial nerve.

When dealing with facial reanimation, we must decide which method to choose, after evaluating the promises and problems associated with each procedure.

PROGRAM OF FACIAL REHABILITATION:

After surgery facial exercises are part of the rehabilitation. The aim is to improve the facial functions by teaching how to control the facial movements.

This is accomplished by:

  1. Isometric exercises;
  2. Developing a symmetrical smile by training before a mirror;
  3. Concentrating on sounds;
  4. Relaxation techniques;
  5. Perseverance, determination and willingness to conscientiously do homework.

Physiotherapist should create a program for immediate postsurgical facial paralysis to reeducate the muscles in newly reanimated faces.