Smile reanimation restores a natural, voluntary smile for patients with facial paralysis. Dr. Andre Panossian, a fellowship-trained facial paralysis surgeon in Pasadena, uses techniques including the lengthening temporalis myoplasty (LTM) and free-functioning muscle transfer to rebuild dynamic facial movement. The before-and-after results below show real patient outcomes.
34 Patient Results
Smile reanimation is a set of surgical techniques that restore the ability to smile in patients with facial paralysis. Options include the lengthening temporalis myoplasty (LTM), free-functioning muscle transfer (gracilis), and nerve transfers, selected based on the cause and duration of paralysis.
Candidates include patients with longstanding or congenital facial paralysis, Bell's palsy that has not recovered, or paralysis following tumor or trauma surgery. A facial nerve evaluation determines the best technique.
Recovery varies by technique. Muscle transfers typically show initial movement at 3-6 months as the nerve regenerates, with continued improvement over the first year as the patient learns to activate the new smile.