Nasolabial fold dynamics: Implications for facial paralysis and facial reanimation surgery.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with facial paralysis, facial reanimation surgery may be needed to normalize facial soft tissue function/movements. Critical for this normalization is the dynamics of the nasolabial folds (NLFs). The objective of this prospective, observational study was to determine the 3D morphologic dynamics of the NLFs in patients with unilateral facial palsy and normal subjects. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: 3D facial soft tissue movement data collected from adults with unilateral, facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy, n = 36); and (2) an age- and sex-frequency matched control group (n = 68). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Movement data were collected during repeated animations from participants using a video-based motion capture system. Movement in terms of displacement and asymmetry of the NLFs, nasal and circumoral regions were analyzed in the lateral, vertical and depth planes; as well as movement of the commissure and NLFs relative to the lower lip midline. Two-sample t tests were used to test for significant group differences. RESULTS: Patients NLFs had less mean displacement, greater mean asymmetry and uncoordinated movements compared with the controls. For both groups during smiling, the NLF and commissure landmarks had approximately similar magnitudes of displacement (control range = 11-14mm; patient range = 7-10mm). CONCLUSION: NLF dynamics during smiling were as significant as oral commissure excursion. Thus, an immobile NLF is an unnatural feature of facial animations. Surgical treatments that address impaired NFL movements must be considered to create a more natural surgical outcome especially during smiling.

A Patient With Traumatic Upper Eyelid Ectropion and Their Management by Canthopexy.

ABSTRACT: Upper eyelid ectropion is rare. When it does occur, the cicatricial subset of upper eyelid ectropion is its most common manifestation. Due to its rarity, little has been published regarding its treatment. Herein, we present the case of a 27-year-old patient who suffered significant left sided facial trauma in a high-velocity motor vehicle accident, resulting in a soft tissue defect in the left lateral supra-orbital region, including loss of the lateral half of the left eyebrow. The defect was left to heal by secondary intention causing severe cicatricial upper eyelid ectropion. Several reconstructive techniques were subsequently utilized including recreating the defect and replacing like with like tissues according to the facial sub-units. Right sided upper eyelid skin was used to replace the deficient left upper eyelid skin and a scalp composite graft was harvested to replace the deficient left lateral eyebrow. Temporary tarsorrhaphy, and steroid injections were used on multiple occasions to counteract the cicatricial forces. Ultimately, permanent lateral tarsorrhaphy and upper eyelid canthopexy was needed to obtain a satisfactory functional and cosmetic result.

Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia is a common finding in patients undergoing abdominoplasty, especially those who are postpartum with rectus divarication. Concurrent surgical treatment of the umbilical hernia at abdominoplasty presents a "vascular challenge" due to the disruption of dermal blood supply to the umbilicus, leaving the stalk as the sole axis of perfusion. To date, there have been no surgical techniques described to adequately address large umbilical herniae during abdominoplasty. OBJECTIVES: To present an effective and safe technique that can address large umbilical herniae during abdominoplasty. METHODS: A prospective series of 10 consecutive patients, undergoing concurrent abdominoplasty and laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. All procedures were performed by the same general surgeon and plastic surgeon at the Macquarie University Hospital in North Ryde, NSW, Australia. Data were collected with approval of our ethics committee. RESULTS: At 12-month follow up there were no instances of umbilical necrosis, wound complications, seroma, or recurrent hernia. The mean body mass index was 23.8 kg/m2 (range, 16.1-30.1 kg/m2). Rectus divarication ranged from 35 to 80 mm (mean, 53.5 mm). Umbilical hernia repair took a mean of 25.9 minutes to complete (range, 18-35 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: We present a technique that avoids incision of the rectus fascia minimizes dissection of the umbilical stalk and is able to provide a gold standard hernia repair with mesh. This procedure is particularly suited to postpartum patients with large herniae (>3-4 cm diameter) and wide rectus divarication, where mesh repair with adequate overlap is the recommended treatment.

Flap neurotisation improves sensation outcomes in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Flap neurotisation is a promising solution to restore the diminished or complete loss of sensation following mastectomy. This systematic review compared sensory outcomes in neurotised versus non-neurotised abdominal-based autologous breast reconstructions to establish its benefit in routine clinical practice. METHODS: A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for relevant studies. Pressure sensitivity, measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) or the pressure-specified sensory device (PSSD), was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies comprising 367 neurotised and 295 non-neurotised flap reconstructions were included, with 8 studies included in the meta-analysis. Neurotised flaps demonstrated superior sensory outcomes over non-neurotised flaps, with significant differences in SWM scores (mean difference [MD], -1.552 95% CI, -2.351 to -0.7535; p = 0.0001) and PSSD (MD -13.36; 95% CI, -26.41 to -0.3117; p = 0.0448) at follow-up (range 8 to 77 months). The differences in total skin sensation (native and flap skin combined) were statistically significant in the SWM group (p = 0.0010) but not in the PSSD group (p = 0.0649). Investigation on the factors impacting sensation recovery in neurotised flaps yielded inconclusive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotised flaps consistently demonstrated superior sensation outcomes compared with non-neurotised flaps, irrespective of flap type or neurotisation technique. However, further research is essential to elucidate the factors that impact sensory recovery and standardise neurotisation practices for more optimal post-mastectomy reconstruction outcomes.

Trends and variations in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rates in Australia over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Offering breast reconstruction (BR) at the time of mastectomy is standard of care in Australia with proven quality-of-life benefits. Previously BR rates in Australia have been low compared to similar countries. Accurate up-to-date information is needed to promote equity in access to BR and inform future planning of services. This study analysed recent trends and variations of BR uptake in Australia. METHOD: Data from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit (BQA) were used to identify patients who underwent mastectomy with or without reconstruction for invasive or in situ breast carcinoma from 2010 to 2019. The association between BR uptake and the variables of jurisdiction (state or territory), age, hospital type and remoteness, and remoteness of patients' home addresses were analysed. RESULTS: A total 41 880 women underwent mastectomy between 2010 to 2019. The national BR rate steadily increased from 12.8% in 2010 to 29% in 2019, with a 10-year national average of 21.3%. Statistically significant differences in BR uptake (P < 0.001) were found between states with higher rates in New South Wales and Victoria, with BR more likely in private hospitals and in younger women (P < 0.001), and less likely in remote areas (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Australian BR rate has increased over the 10-year period, but significant variation still exists between states. BR is lower in older women and those living in regional and remote areas. While the steady increase in BR uptake is encouraging, barriers that exist to equitable provision of reconstructive surgical services for all women living with breast cancer still need to be corrected.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap safety profile in slim versus non-slim BMI patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The complications of breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in non-slim patients are well recognized. However, the effects of this surgery performed on slim patients are yet to be consolidated. This study aims to compare the outcomes of performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in slim and non-slim body mass index (BMI) patients. METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed with a multi-database search (Cochrane, EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Web of Sciences) according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on 1 February 2021. Data from articles meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, comprising 574 slim patients and 901 non-slim BMI patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction. When comparing between the slim and non-slim groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of complete flap loss (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.11-2.68, p=0.44), partial flap loss (OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.3-2.82, p=0.88), and fat necrosis (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.61-1.37, p=0.66). Similarly, in terms of general surgical complications, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of all complications (OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.45-1.51, p=0.54), abdominal wound healing complications (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.59-1.73, p=0.97), infections (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.41-1.37, p=0.34), and seroma (OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.35-227, p=0.81). CONCLUSION: There is no increased risk of postoperative complications in either group. DIEP flaps can be safely performed in slim patients, though higher quality research may be required to further confirm this.

Facial nerve palsy: Narrative review on the importance of the eye and its assessment.

New solutions are emerging that address specific facial regions in facial nerve palsy (FNP). However the most dreaded consequence of FNP is paralytic lagophthalmos threatening the eye. A way to prioritize these regions is thus required. A review of the literature is conduced to capture the current concepts in evaluating FNP. Overall, patients are assessed from three perspectives: from the clinician's perspective using validated clinician-based grading instruments, from patient's perspective based on FNP-specific patient-reported outcome measures, and from the perspective of the layperson. The existing tools however provide limited information regarding the relative importance of different regions of the face. The eye appears to be an area of great concern for the patient where most surgical therapies are directed at. Addressing ocular problems in FNP carry a high priority but this is not clearly reflected by the standard systems.

Automated Spontaneity Assessment after Smile Reanimation: A Machine Learning Approach.

BACKGROUND: Recreation of a spontaneous, emotional smile remains a paramount goal of smile reanimation surgery. However, optimal techniques to reliably restore spontaneity remain unknown. Dual automated machine-learning tools were used to develop an objective tool to analyze spontaneous smiling. The feasibility of this tool was tested in a sample of functional free muscle transfers. METHODS: Validated humorous videos were used to elicit spontaneous smiles. Automated facial landmark recognition (Emotrics) and emotion detection software (Affdex) were used to analyze video clips of spontaneous smiling in nine normal subjects and 39 facial reanimation cases. Emotionality quotient was used to quantify the ability of spontaneous smiles to express joy. RESULTS: The software could analyze spontaneous smiling in all subjects. Spontaneous smiles of normal subjects exhibited median 100 percent joy and 0 percent negative emotion (emotional quotient score, +100/0). Spontaneous smiles of facial palsy patients after smile reanimation, using cross-facial nerve graft, masseteric nerve, and dual innervation, yielded median emotional quotient scores of +82/0, 0/-48, and +10/-24 respectively (joy, p = 0.006; negative emotion, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Computer vision software can objectively quantify spontaneous smiling outcomes. Of the retrospective sample of cases reviewed in this study, cross-facial nerve graft-innervated gracilis functional free muscle transfer achieved a greater degree of emotionality during spontaneous smiling than masseteric or dually innervated transfer. Quantification of spontaneous smiling from standard video clips could facilitate future, blinded, multicenter trials with sufficient long-term follow-up to definitively establish the rates of spontaneity from a range of reanimation procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

Neurotization Preferences in Smile Reanimation: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Common donor nerve options in smile reanimation include ipsilateral trigeminal motor or contralateral facial nerve branches. Neurotization preference may be influenced by multiple factors, whose relative importance remains poorly understood. In this article, decision-making in smile reanimation is assessed using a stated preference model. METHODS: Qualitative interviews with facial palsy patients identified five relevant attributes for study: smile type ("smile when biting" versus "smile spontaneously" as proxies for trigeminal versus cross-facial neurotization), number of operations, success rates, complication rates, and side effects. Community volunteers (n = 250) completed a discrete-choice experiment relevant to free muscle transfer for smile reanimation. Preoperative and postoperative states were demonstrated through video vignettes, together with explanation of surgical risks, consequences, and benefits. Attribute importance was modeled using hierarchical Bayes estimation. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-one responses met quality controls. Attribute importance ranked as follows: chance of success, 37.3 percent; smile type, 21.4 percent; side effects, 13.9 percent; complication rates, 13.8; and number of operations, 13.6 percent. All attributes significantly correlated with decision making (p < 0.0001). An aggregate response model revealed most participants (67.6 percent; standard error, 3.0 percent) preferred smile reanimation by cross-facial (assuming a success rate of 80 percent) as opposed to ipsilateral trigeminal motor branch neurotization. When the success rate for cross-facial neurotization was reduced below 67 percent, trigeminal neurotization was preferred. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher risk of failure, most respondents preferred a cross-facial as opposed to trigeminal neurotization strategy for smile reanimation. These findings highlight the complexity of decision-making and need for individualized risk tolerance assessment in the field of facial reanimation.

Toward an Automatic System for Computer-Aided Assessment in Facial Palsy.

Importance: Quantitative assessment of facial function is challenging, and subjective grading scales such as House-Brackmann, Sunnybrook, and eFACE have well-recognized limitations. Machine learning (ML) approaches to facial landmark localization carry great clinical potential as they enable high-throughput automated quantification of relevant facial metrics from photographs and videos. However, the translation from research settings to clinical application still requires important improvements. Objective: To develop a novel ML algorithm for fast and accurate localization of facial landmarks in photographs of facial palsy patients and utilize this technology as part of an automated computer-aided diagnosis system. Design, Setting, and Participants: Portrait photographs of 8 expressions obtained from 200 facial palsy patients and 10 healthy participants were manually annotated by localizing 68 facial landmarks in each photograph and by 3 trained clinicians using a custom graphical user interface. A novel ML model for automated facial landmark localization was trained using this disease-specific database. Algorithm accuracy was compared with manual markings and the output of a model trained using a larger database consisting only of healthy subjects. Main Outcomes and Measurements: Root mean square error normalized by the interocular distance (NRMSE) of facial landmark localization between prediction of ML algorithm and manually localized landmarks. Results: Publicly available algorithms for facial landmark localization provide poor localization accuracy when applied to photographs of patients compared with photographs of healthy controls (NRMSE, 8.56 ± 2.16 vs. 7.09 ± 2.34, p ≪ 0.01). We found significant improvement in facial landmark localization accuracy for the facial palsy patient population when using a model trained with a relatively small number photographs (1440) of patients compared with a model trained using several thousand more images of healthy faces (NRMSE, 6.03 ± 2.43 vs. 8.56 ± 2.16, p ≪ 0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: Retraining a computer vision facial landmark detection model with fewer than 1600 annotated images of patients significantly improved landmark detection performance in frontal view photographs of this population. The new annotated database and facial landmark localization model represent the first steps toward an automatic system for computer-aided assessment in facial palsy. Level of Evidence: 4.

Spontaneity Assessment in Dually Innervated Gracilis Smile Reanimation Surgery.

IMPORTANCE: Surgeons have sought to optimize outcomes of smile reanimation surgery by combining inputs from nerve-to-masseter and cross-face nerve grafts. An objective assessment tool could help surgeons evaluate outcomes to determine the optimal neural sources for smile reanimation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a novel video time-stamping method and standard outcome measurement tools to assess outcomes of facial reanimation surgery using various innervation strategies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cohort study assessing the outcomes of dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers vs single-source innervated gracilis transfer performed at a tertiary care facial nerve center between 2007 and 2017 using a novel, video time-stamping spontaneity assessment method. The statistical analyses were performed in 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers or single-source innervated gracilis transfer. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Spontaneous smiling was assessed by clinicians and quantified using blinded time-stamped video recordings of smiling elicited while viewing humorous video clips. RESULTS: This retrospective cohort study included 25 patients (12 men and 13 women; median [range] age, 38.4 [29.3-46.0] years) treated with dually innervated gracilis free functional muscle graft for unilateral facial palsy between 2007 and 2017. Smile spontaneity assessment was performed in 17 patients and was compared with assessment performed in 24 patients treated with single-source innervated gracilis transfer (ie, nerve-to-masseter-driven or cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis [n = 13]) (demographic data not available for NTM and CFNG cohorts). The use of time-stamped video assessment revealed that spontaneous synchronous oral commissure movement in a median percentage of smiles was 33% in patients with dually innervated gracilis (interquartile range [IQR], 0%-71%), 20% of smiles in patients with nerve-to-masseter-driven gracilis (IQR, 0%-50%), and 75% of smiles in patients with cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis (IQR, 0%-100%). Clinicians graded smile spontaneity in dually innervated cases as absent in 40% (n = 6 of 15), trace in 33% (n = 5 of 15) and present in 27% (n = 4 of 15). No association was demonstrated between clinician-reported spontaneity and objectively measured synchronicity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers may improve smile spontaneity compared with masseteric nerve-driven transfers but not to the level of cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis transfers. Quantifying spontaneity is notoriously difficult, and most authors rely on clinical assessment. Our results suggest that clinicians may rate presence of spontaneity higher than objective measures, highlighting the importance of standardized assessment techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

In the Eye of the Beholder: Changes in Perceived Emotion Expression after Smile Reanimation.

BACKGROUND: Tools to quantify layperson assessments of facial palsy are lacking. In this study, artificial intelligence was applied to develop a proxy for layperson assessments, and compare sensitivity to existing outcome measures. METHODS: Artificially intelligent emotion detection software was used to develop the emotionality quotient. The emotionality quotient was defined as the percentage probability of perceived joy over the percentage probability of perceived negative emotions during smiling, as predicted by the software. The emotionality quotient was used to analyze the emotionality of voluntary smiles of normal subjects and unilateral facial palsy patients before and after smile reanimation. The emotionality quotient was compared to oral commissure excursion and layperson assessments of facial palsy patients. RESULTS: In voluntary smiles of 10 normal subjects, 100 percent joy and no negative emotion was detected (interquartile ranges, 0/1). Median preoperative emotionality quotient of 30 facial palsy patients was 15/-60 (interquartile range, 73/62). Postoperatively, median emotionality quotient was 84/0 (interquartile range, 28/5). In 134 smile reanimation patients, no correlation was found between postoperative oral commissure excursion and emotionality quotient score. However, in 61 preoperative patients, a moderate correlation was found between layperson-assessed disfigurement and negative emotion perception (correlation coefficient, 0.516; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Computer vision artificial intelligence software detected less joy and more negative emotion in smiles of facial palsy patients compared with normal subjects. Following smile reanimation, significantly more joy and less negative emotion were detected. The emotionality quotient was correlated with layperson assessments. The simplicity, sensitivity, and objectivity of the emotionality quotient render it an attractive tool to serve as a potential proxy for layperson assessment, an ideal outcome measure in facial palsy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

Patient experience in nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation.

INTRODUCTION: The nerve-to-masseter is one of the most frequently used neural sources in smile reanimation surgery. Very little information has been reported on patient experience with regard to reanimated smile usage and sequelae following transfer. The aim of this study was to quantify patient perception of nerve-to-masseter use in smile reanimation surgery. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed based on the clinical expertise of our team, patient interviews, and existing questionnaires of facial palsy-related quality of life and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. All patients treated with nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation surgery, both nerve transfers and muscle transplantations, between 2007 and 2016 with a valid email address were invited to participate. RESULTS: Of 171 operated patients, 122 with a valid email address were invited to participate. Seventy-one patients responded (63.4% female, mean age 51.1 years) after a median follow-up of 3.8 years. A voluntary smile while biting down at least "most of the time" was reported by 83.1% of patients; 46.5% reported ability to smile on the affected side without bite. A "normal" or "almost normal" spontaneous smile was reported in 23.9% of patients. A total of 18.3% of patients self-reported masseter muscle atrophy, and 1.4-14.1% reported temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Forty-one patients (57.7%) reported prandial movement of the face at least "most of the time," with 9 patients (12.7%) considering this bothersome. CONCLUSION: Patients report good voluntary smiling ability following nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation surgery, with low rates of sequelae.

Facial Palsy-Specific Quality of Life in 920 Patients: Correlation With Clinician-Graded Severity and Predicting Factors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between facial palsy severity and quality of life in a broad cohort of facial palsy patients and to elucidate factors that influence this relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Records of patients presenting with a clinician-graded facial function (eFACE) and facial palsy-specific quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measure (FaCE) scale from the same moment were reviewed. Multiple linear regression was performed to study the effect of various variables on FaCE total score. RESULTS: A total of 920 of 1,304 patients were included, 59.9% female with a mean (standard deviation) age of 48.6 (16.7) years and a median (interquartile range palsy duration of 9.6 [2.2; 42.2] months. A multiple linear regression model predicting FaCE total score was established, finding 10 significant variables: eFACE; viral, malignant, and congenital etiologies; overweight status; anxiety; chronic pain; previous treatment; radiotherapy; and duration of palsy (R2 = 0.261, P < 0.001). Gender, age, laterality, surgical etiology, depression, and timing of evaluation (at initial intake or at follow up) were not found to predict FaCE total scores. CONCLUSION: A correlation between facial palsy severity and quality of life was found in a large cohort of patients comprising various etiologies. Additionally, novel factors that predict quality of life in facial palsy were revealed. This information may help specialists to predict which facial palsy patients are at higher risk of a poorer quality of life, regardless of severity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:100-104, 2019.

Using Mobile Text and Media to Complement Teaching in a Facial Reconstruction Training Module in Haiti.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe electronic communication between global surgeons and trainees in a low-middle income country (LMIC) and to gauge appeal of the WhatsApp platform (2) To introduce a novel intensive ear reconstruction teaching module for surgical capacity building using simulation in a LMIC. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University-based medical center in Haiti. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven otolaryngology trainees and faculty in Haiti. RESULTS: Three months prior to on-site arrival, a WhatsApp Messenger group was created for information-sharing and distribution of teaching materials. A surgical curriculum was created to incorporate didactics, cartilage framework simulation, and live surgery. During the intensive on-site week, WhatsApp was used to distribute materials and to recap learning points from each case, with pre- and postoperative surgical photographs circulated. Postmodule written, oral, and practical testing was conducted on the final day, and a postmodule survey was administered a month later. Post-tests scores were significantly improved from pretests scores. Initial scores on the written, oral, and practical tests averaged 24.6%. Postmodule scores averaged 86.9% (p < 0.001). Participants rated the use of WhatsApp to be highly important to their learning and requested further use of mobile health technology. CONCLUSIONS: WhatsApp Messenger technology complemented a reconstructive surgery education module in a LMIC. WhatsApp provides opportunities for premodule patient screening, real-time discussion, and postmodule review. Its usage was well-received by Haitian otolaryngology trainees and faculty. Our results suggest that the combination of didactic teaching, simulated surgery, and live surgery resulted in successful transfer of both skills and knowledge.

Association of Regional Facial Dysfunction With Facial Palsy-Related Quality of Life.

IMPORTANCE: Study of the association of regional facial dysfunction with quality of life will lead to a better understanding of quality of life in facial palsy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of regional facial dysfunction with facial palsy-related quality of life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort analysis included patients with flaccid and nonflaccid (synkinetic) facial palsy treated at a tertiary care facial nerve center; the flaccid facial palsy group included 529 patients, and the nonflaccid facial palsy group included 391 patients. Data were included from all patients with facial palsy who had an eFACE score and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale total score acquired at the same time from February 1, 2014, through October 31, 2017. Linear regression analysis was performed to calculate the amount of variance in quality of life explained by the severity of facial palsy (eFACE). A relative weight analysis was performed for the contribution of each individual eFACE item in estimating quality of life. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Facial palsy severity was measured using all 15 individual eFACE items (rated on a scale of 0 to 200, where 0 represents complete flaccidity, 100 represents a balanced aesthetic appearance, and 200 represents the worst imaginable hypertonia of a patient with synkinesis, with a transformation used for values from 101 to 200), and facial palsy-related quality of life was measured using the FaCE scale total score (range, 0 [worst] to 100 [best]). RESULTS: Data of 920 individual patients (59.5% female; mean [SD] age, 48.6 [16.6] years) were available. The eFACE composite score accounted for 21.2% of the quality-of-life variance in the flaccid group and 13.9% in the nonflaccid group. With the use of all 15 individual eFACE items, these proportions increased to 29.7% and 16.8%, respectively. In both groups, oral commissure movement with smile was found to be the most important contributing item (relative weight, 0.108 [95% CI, 0.075-0.148] for the flaccid group and 0.025 [95% CI, 0.005-0.052] for the nonflaccid group). Items related to the function of periocular muscles were found to be of low importance. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The present study suggests that the function of individual facial regions is not equally important for estimating facial palsy-related quality of life. The ability to smile is of greatest importance among patients with flaccid and nonflaccid facial palsy. The true importance of periocular function in the estimation of quality of life should be studied further in future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Outcome Tracking in Facial Palsy.

Outcome tracking in facial palsy is multimodal, consisting of patient-reported outcome measures, clinician-graded scoring systems, objective assessment tools, and novel tools for layperson and spontaneity assessment. Patient-reported outcome measures are critical to understanding burden of disease in facial palsy and effects of interventions from the patient perspective. Clinician-graded scoring systems are inherently subjective and no 1 single system satisfies all needs. Objective assessment tools quantify facial movements but can be laborious. Recent advances in facial recognition technology have enabled automated facial measurements. Novel assessment tools analyze attributes such as spontaneous smile, emotional expressivity, disfigurement, and attractiveness as determined by laypersons.

Long-term outcome of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect and treatment stability of selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients treated with highly selective neurectomy for refractory periocular synkinesis between August 2009 and August 2015. Primary outcome was time to recommencing treatment for periocular synkinesis. Palpebral fissure width was measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at long-term ( > 2.5 years) follow-up. Mean units of botulinum toxin used pre- and postoperatively were compared. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients, 10 could be included. Only one was free of treatment for periocular synkinesis at a follow-up of 3.5 years. The other nine patients recommenced treatment with botulinum toxin after a median time of 1.2 (interquartile range 0.6-2.6) years. Palpebral fissure width while smiling was significantly different between the pre- and postoperative (P = 0.008) and preoperative and long-term (P = 0.008) measurements. Postoperatively, previously refractory patients demonstrated good response to botulinum toxin treatments. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that most patients require renewed pharmacological treatment of periocular synkinesis after neurectomy. Although the effect of neurectomy in the treatment of refractory synkinesis does not appear to be sustained, patients usually experience a symptom-free interval and demonstrate larger palpebral fissure width at long-term follow-up compared to preoperative measurements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:2291-2295, 2018.