The Efficacy of Flap Debulking after Facial Reanimation Surgery to Enhance Facial Symmetry.

Abstract

Free functional gracilis transfer (FFGT) is regarded as the standard treatment for smile reconstruction in longstanding flaccid facial paralysis. Secondary flap debulking is often performed for aesthetic improvement. However, data on the efficacy and safety of these procedures are scarce. This study aims to objectively analyze the results of flap debulking procedures following smile reconstruction. The authors included all patients undergoing flap debulking after unilateral smile reconstruction from 2014 to 2023. Facial symmetry before and after debulking was assessed using standardized photographs. Measurements included hemifacial surface area, commissure excursion, commissure height deviation, and commissure excursion ratio. Of 172 FFGTs during the study period, 75 patients underwent 76 debulking procedures, and 54 patients were included in this study. The hemifacial surface area (affected/healthy) increased significantly following FFGT (median, 0.96; interquartile range [IQR], 0.922 to 0.992; to median, 1.06; IQR, 0.989 to 1.115; P < 0.001). After flap debulking, the median ratio adjusted to 1.01 (IQR, 0.971 to 1.049; P < 0.001). Commissure height deviation decreased significantly after FFGT and was further reduced after flap debulking: median, from 9.62 mm (IQR, 6.79 to 13.52 mm) to 3.26 mm (IQR, 1.25 to 4.75 mm) ( P < 0.001) to 2.8 mm (IQR, 1.6 to 4.06 mm). The commissure excursion ratio decreased significantly (mean, 1.05 ± 0.02 to 0.98 ± 0.02; P < 0.001), further indicating improved symmetry. One patient had a postoperative infection requiring revision. No flap losses occurred. Secondary flap debulking is a safe technique that enhances facial symmetry following smile reconstruction surgery using FFGT.