Etiology and Management of 800 Patients With Facial Palsy at a Private Practice Setting Over a 5-Year Period.

INTRODUCTION: Very few papers investigated the etiologic breakdown and demographic characteristics of patients with facial nerve (FN) palsy. Our paper aims to present the etiologic breakdown and demographic characteristics of patients with FN palsy, presenting at a private care center between 2014 and 2019, along with the treatment modalities that were offered to them. METHODS: Charts of 800 patients with facial palsy (FP) were reviewed. Data included the etiology of their diagnosis, family history, recurrent FP, demographic information, and treatment provided before and after presentation. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of our study population were females. The average period between diagnosis with FP and presentation at our center was 10.8 years. The most commonly identified etiology was Bell's palsy, followed by acoustic neuroma. Eighty-one percent of the study subjects were prescribed steroids and/or antivirals. Facial neuromuscular retraining, electrical stimulation, chemodenervation, and surgical intervention were also part of some treatment plans for our population. DISCUSSION: Recommendations for the treatment of idiopathic FP include steroids with adjuvant antiviral medications. Data remains uncertain whether the combination therapy of steroids and antivirals has better results compared to steroids alone. Electrical stimulation is still a controversial therapeutic tool for facial paralysis with a potential role in exacerbating synkinesis. The difference in referral patterns between tertiary and private care centers can explain the disparity in the ranking of the etiologies between our study and what has been published. CONCLUSION: Management of FP is a complex process. The FN community must develop a common database to improve its understanding of the different presentations.

Characterizing the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Most Important to Patients, Surgeons, and the General Population.

Understanding rhinoplasty characteristics important to patients, physicians, and society is essential for evaluating outcomes and designing optimal treatment plans. The authors aimed to elucidate specific rhinoplasty-related outcomes that are most important to patients, surgeons, and the general population. A cross-sectional survey comprising 11 rhinoplasty-specific characteristics, was distributed to patients, facial plastic surgeons, and the general population. Adult patients presenting for rhinoplasty consideration or follow-up after undergoing rhinoplasty were recruited. Characteristics rankings were compared between the 3 respondent groups using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Responses from 150 surgeons, 111 patients, and 102 lay individuals from the general population were included for analysis. When ranking rhinoplasty-specific characteristics in order of importance, patients and the general population ranked "ability to breathe through nose while awake" first and "overall appearance of nose" as second. Surgeons ranked "overall appearance of nose" first and "ability to breathe through nose while awake" second. There were strong correlations between patients' and surgeons' rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.836, P =0.002), between patients' and the general population's rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.773, P =0.007), and between surgeons' and the general population's rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.782, P =0.006). Our results highlight a significant correlation between characteristics of the "ideal" nose as determined by patients, surgeons, and the general population.

Reshaping the Face and Neck via the Deep Plane Approaches is Appropriate for the More Youthful as Well as the More Aged Face.

Rhytidectomy has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the realms deep plane facelift and more aggressive neck contouring. As the procedures have become increasingly intricate and invasive, the imperative to develop refined tools and methodologies has risen. These tools and methods are essential not only for the evaluation of aesthetic outcomes but also for the comprehensive assessment of inherent risks and the holistic enhancement of patients' quality of life.

Facial Nerve Considerations for the Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift.

The surgical approach to facial rejuvenation has evolved significantly over the last century. As surgeons have deepened their understanding of facial anatomy over the last half century, so have their surgical approaches to the rhytidectomy, with increasingly extensive manipulation of the underlying soft tissue in the face. While these procedures have become more comprehensive and natural in their approach, the risk of temporary facial palsy also appears to be on the rise. In this text, we review the technique for deep plane facelifts and neck contouring with an emphasis on the facial nerve anatomy and methods to preserve the intricate facial nerve network during tissue dissection and modification. Careful execution of the surgical steps involved, including deep neck contouring, SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) suspension, and skin management, is essential to achieve the authentic aesthetic outcomes that patients desire while ensuring patient safety.

Revision Rhytidectomy: Pearls and Pitfalls.

While rhytidectomy can yield remarkable results, some patients may subsequently require revision rhytidectomy due to either unsatisfactory outcomes from primary surgery or the natural aging process many years later. Like most other secondary plastic surgical procedures, revision rhytidectomy is a complex undertaking and fraught with potential pitfalls. This can be attributable to natural or postsurgical alterations that can occur with the facial skin, superficial musculoaponeurotic system/platysma muscle, and/or facial nerve landmarks. Additionally, complications such as cobra neck deformity, pixie ear deformity, and synkinesis can add an extra level of complexity to revisional surgery. Furthermore, as more surgeons are performing deep-plane facelifts and more aggressive neck procedures, the risks are further amplified in revisional surgery. In this article, we review the challenges that a facelift surgeon may face when performing revision rhytidectomy and the technical considerations to overcome these obstacles.

Rhinoplasty for Thick-Skinned Noses: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to critically examine the literature published on rhinoplasties in thick-skinned patients to determine how to maximize outcomes in these patients. METHODS: The PubMEd and Google Scholar databases were searched for clinical studies related to nasal skin thickness as it relates to rhinoplasty surgery and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: We performed a review of the current body of literature and identified twenty-eight articles that met our inclusion criteria for final analysis. Three articles were level of evidence 1 by CEBM guidelines, while the majority were level 4 (39%) and 5 (32%). Most papers were published in the USA (35%), followed by Saudi Arabia (14%). Here, we outline the current body of literature regarding thick-skinned noses in rhinoplasty surgery and identify optimization strategies. CONCLUSION: We highlight a management scheme subdivided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative timepoints for the comprehensive management of this patient population. Optimal results rely on an individualized medical and surgical treatment plan and regimen to achieve desired and realistic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Wound Healing Complications With Tranexamic Acid: Not the Silver Bullet After All.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been popularized as an adjunct to decrease the risk of bleeding and subsequent bruising and edema in aesthetic surgery. The most notable risks of TXA are thrombus and seizures, which are associated with higher plasma concentrations of the acid. In an effort to mitigate these risks, surgeons have begun using TXA locally, either as a topical irrigation or mixed into the local anesthetic. Although local use is thought to be safer from a side-effect standpoint, because there is decreased systemic absorption, its use is not without risk. We present 4 patients who developed wound healing complications thought to be related to locally administered TXA. One patient had TXA delivered topically, and 3 patients had TXA mixed into their local anesthetic. These adverse events have not been published in the literature previously. This case report serves as a warning to other surgeons about using locally administered TXA.

End-to-Trunk Masseteric to Facial Nerve Transfer With Selective Neurectomy for Facial Reanimation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine functional outcomes following end-to-trunk masseteric to facial nerve transfer in patients with chronic flaccid facial paralysis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary-care private practice setting. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with complete unilateral facial paralysis of less than 24 months duration. INTERVENTIONS: Direct end-to-trunk masseteric to facial nerve anastomosis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included time to first movement, development of synkinesis, and an objective assessment of the resting tone and dynamic movement that was achieved. RESULTS: Patient age at the time of transfer ranged from 6 to 61. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months. No patients had any perioperative complications. No patient experienced significant mass movement or synkinetic facial movement with chewing. No patient had worsened chewing or swallowing. Patients have not yet recovered significant resting tone. All patients achieved smile activity when biting down with a median (interquartile range) oral commissure excursion of 7.57 mm (5.19-9.94 mm), starting 3 to 5 months after transfer. CONCLUSIONS: End-to-trunk masseteric to facial nerve transfer is a safe and effective procedure. Patients had rapid reinnervation with good excursion and achieved a natural appearing smile. The rehabilitated smile appears better than that achieved with hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer. The procedure can be performed coincident with cross-facial nerve grafting, and in some cases may produce dynamic facial movement that obviates the need for free muscle transfer.

A Guide to Developing Safety Protocols for International Craniofacial Outreach Programs During the COVID-19 Era.

ABSTRACT: The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has created obstacles to health care delivery on a global scale. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many of which already suffered from unmet surgical and medical needs, are at great risk of suffering poor health outcomes due to health care access troubles brought on by the pandemic. Craniofacial outreach programs (CFOP)-a staple for craniofacial surgeons-have historically provided essential care to LMICs. To date, there has not been literature discussing the process of resuming CFOP mission trips. Herein, we propose a roadmap to help guide future journeys, as well as summarize practical considerations.

Facial nerve management in patients with malignant skull base tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The course of the facial nerve through the cerebellopontine angle, temporal bone, and parotid gland puts the nerve at risk in cases of malignancy. In contrast to Bell's palsy, which presents with acute facial paralysis, malignancies cause gradual or fluctuating weakness. METHODS: We review malignancies affecting the facial nerve, including those involving the temporal bone, parotid gland, and cerebellopontine angle, in addition to metastatic disease. Intraoperative management of the facial nerve and long term management of facial palsy are reviewed. RESULTS: Intraoperative management of the facial nerve in cases of skull base malignancy may involve extensive exposure, mobilization, or rerouting of the nerve. In cases of nerve sacrifice, primary neurorrhaphy or interposition grafting may be used. Cranial nerve substitution, gracilis free functional muscle transfer, and orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer are management options for long term facial paralysis. CONCLUSION: Temporal bone, parotid gland, and cerebellopontine angle malignancies pose a tremendous risk to the facial nerve. When possible, the facial nerve is preserved. If the facial nerve is sacrificed, static and dynamic reanimation strategies are used to enhance facial function.

Current Trends in Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Among American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Members.

PURPOSE: To assess current practice patterns for management of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty by active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members. METHODS: An invitation to participate in a web-based anonymous survey was sent to the active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery membership via email. The survey consists of 34 questions, both multiple choice and free response, regarding upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery. Practice patterns for both aesthetic and functional blepharoplasty are assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent (161/472) of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members polled responded to the survey. Members perform an average of 196 upper eyelid, 46 lower eyelid, and 53 four-eyelid blepharoplasty procedures per year, with 70% of cases being functional and 30% purely aesthetic. Most members prefer monitored care (71%) to local (21%) or general (8%) anesthesia. Eighty-nine percent of surgeons use topical antibiotics after surgery, erythromycin being the most common (51%). Fourteen percent of members use postoperative oral antibiotics, with cephalexin (81%) being most common. In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, orbicularis muscle is excised by 86% of respondents. Orbital fat is excised, when deemed appropriate, in 97% of cases, with nasal fat excised most commonly (88%). Less commonly, fat repositioning (36%) and adjunctive fat grafting (33%) are performed. In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, surgeons report using one or more of the following approaches: transconjunctival (96%), transcutaneous (82%), and both transconjunctival and transcutaneous (51%). Common adjunctive procedures include orbital fat excision (99%), fat repositioning (80%), and lateral canthal suspension (96%). Less common adjunctive procedures include laser skin resurfacing (36%) and chemical peels (29%). CONCLUSIONS: This report outlines contemporary practice patterns among active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members in the management of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It is important to quantify such data periodically to update the membership as to how this common surgical procedure is approached. This also allows eyelid surgeons to compare their practice patterns with a national group specializing in such surgery.

Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect.

While the facial rejuvenating effect of botulinum toxin type A is well known and widespread, its use in body and facial contouring is less common. We first describe its use for deliberate muscle volume reduction, and then document instances of unanticipated and undesirable muscle atrophy. Finally, we investigate the potential long-term adverse effects of botulinum toxin-induced muscle atrophy. Although the use of botulinum toxin type A in the cosmetic patient has been extensively studied, there are several questions yet to be addressed. Does prolonged botulinum toxin treatment increase its duration of action? What is the mechanism of muscle atrophy and what is the cause of its reversibility once treatment has stopped? We proceed to examine how prolonged chemodenervation with botulinum toxin can increase its duration of effect and potentially contribute to muscle atrophy. Instances of inadvertent botulinum toxin-induced atrophy are also described. These include the "hourglass deformity" secondary to botulinum toxin type A treatment for migraine headaches, and a patient with atrophy of multiple facial muscles from injections for hemifacial spasm. Numerous reports demonstrate that muscle atrophy after botulinum toxin type A treatment occurs and is both reversible and temporary, with current literature supporting the notion that repeated chemodenervation with botulinum toxin likely responsible for both therapeutic and incidental temporary muscle atrophy. Furthermore, duration of response may be increased with subsequent treatments, thus minimizing frequency of reinjection. Practitioners should be aware of the temporary and reversible effect of botulinum toxin-induced muscle atrophy and be prepared to reassure patients on this matter.

Injectable 5-FU with or without added steroid in periorbital skin grafting: initial observations.

PURPOSE: The authors describe their experience with postoperative injectable 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), with or without added low-dose and concentration steroid, in the particular patient subset undergoing eyelid skin grafting surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review (2011-2013) of patients who underwent eyelid skin grafting for various etiologies with adjunctive postoperative 5-FU (50 mg/ml) injections (with or without added kenalog 5 mg/ml) was performed. Injections were given 2 to 3 weeks postsurgery and as frequently as every 2 weeks for a total of up to 4 injections. At each visit, patients were evaluated for redness, swelling, wound healing, scar formation, tissue inflammation/atrophy, telangiectasis, and pigmentary disturbances. Patient interpretation of outcome was determined subjectively by asking if they were satisfied and objectively by their separate responses to specific questions graded on a Likert-type scale. Operating surgeon satisfaction was determined only by subjective clinical evaluation of final results. Finally, a graded evaluation of pre- and postoperative digital photographs by an independent facial plastic surgeon was added to quantitatively evaluate the surgical results. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with an average age of 66 years and follow up of 10 months are included. Surgical indications include reconstruction of cancer excision defects, repair of lower eyelid ectropion or retraction, benign eyelid lesion excision, and effacement of a canthal web. On average, patients had a total of 4 separate 0.3 to 0.5 ml 5-FU, or 5-FU/kenalog injections spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart. In 11 of 19 patients, the 5-FU injections were mixed with steroid. There were no cases of skin thinning, color/texture change, atrophy, telangiectasis, or infection after injection, and all patients had uneventful healing of their grafts. Eighty-nine percent of patients were satisfied with their outcome (graded 4.73/5) and the appearance of the skin graft (graded 4.79/5). In 95% of cases, the surgeon was satisfied with the surgical result. Independent surgeon assessment of outcome was graded (4.58/5). CONCLUSIONS: A 5-FU or 5-FU/kenalog (75%/25%) mixture can be injected safely after eyelid skin grafting surgery. Surgical results are good with minimal scarring, high patient and surgeon satisfaction, and few complications. Results are equally efficacious and complication-free with or without the addition of a steroid component to the injection mixture.

Cross-facial nerve grafting for facial reanimation.

Dynamic facial reanimation is the gold standard treatment for a paralyzed face. Over the last century, multiple nerves have been utilized for grafting to the facial nerve in an attempt to produce improved movement. However, in recent years, the use of cross facial nerve grafting with a second stage gracilis free flap has gained popularity due to the ability to generate a spontaneous smile and facial movement. Preoperative history taking and careful examination, as well as pre-surgical planning, are imperative to whether cross facial nerve grafting with a second stage gracilis free flap is appropriate for the patient. A sural nerve graft is ideal given the accessibility of the nerve, the length, as well as the reliability and ease of the nerve harvest. The nerve can be harvested using a small incision, which leaves the patient with minimal post operative morbidity. In this chapter, we highlight the pearls and pitfalls of cross facial nerve grafting.

New insights into physical findings associated with postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction.

BACKGROUND: Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction (PBLER) has been linked to anterior lamellar shortage, unaddressed eyelid laxity, and middle lamellar scarring. The authors believe there are other, less-appreciated physical findings (orbicularis weakness, negative-vector eyelid, and inferior eyelid/orbit volume deficit) that also influence the development and potentially the management of this complex type of eyelid malposition. OBJECTIVES: To better understand PBLER, potentially prevent its development, and improve treatment options, the authors determined the incidence of various physical findings present on initial examination of patients referred for PBLER revision. METHODS: The medical charts of patients referred for PBLER revision over a 21-month period were reviewed. The presence of anterior lamellar shortage, lower eyelid laxity, and a middle lamellar (internal eyelid) scar was documented. Orbicularis weakness, negative-vector eyelid topography, and volume deficiency of the lower eyelid/inferior orbit also were noted. The incidence of each finding was calculated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (35 women, 11 men) were included. All patients had undergone primary transcutaneous surgery, which led to the eyelid retraction. Orbicularis weakness, anterior lamellar shortage, inferior eyelid/orbital volume deficit, negative-vector eyelid topography, and eyelid laxity were common. A middle lamellar scar of significance was found in only 17% of eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the aforementioned underappreciated findings are common in patients with PBLER. Evaluating these factors when planning primary blepharoplasty may reduce the incidence of PBLER. Awareness of these findings when planning revisional procedures may improve surgical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Incidence and Reimbursement Trends for Facial Fracture Repair in the Elderly: A Medicare Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe incidence and reimbursement trends of surgical repair of facial fractures among the Medicare population. METHODS: The annual procedure data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service National Part B Data File from 2000 to 2019 were queried. RESULTS: The total number of surgically corrected facial fractures increased from 10,148 in 2000 to 19,631 in 2019 in a linear pattern (r = 0.924). Specifically, nasal bone/septum fracture repairs increased the most by 200.6% (n = 4682 to n = 14,075), whereas operations for TMJ dislocations, malar/zygoma fractures, and alveolar ridge/mandibular fractures decreased by 27.9%, 12.3%, and 3.2%, respectively, between 2000 and 2019. Correspondingly, the total Medicare reimbursement rose from $2,574,317 in 2000 to $4,129,448 in 2019 (r = 0.895). However, the mean reimbursement for all procedures decreased from $376.63 to $210.35 (44.1% fall) over the same time after adjusting for inflation, with this trend holding for individual fracture types as well. CONCLUSIONS: Given the population's increasing age, there has been a significant increase in the number of surgical repairs of facial fractures in Medicare patients between 2000 and 2019. However, this is largely driven by an increase in nasal bone/septum closed reductions, with stagnant and, in some cases, declining incidence among other fracture repairs. The reason is unclear and may be related to an increase in nonoperative management or poor outcomes. Nevertheless, like other subfields within otolaryngology and medicine at large, payments have lagged far behind, which may play some role. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:659-665, 2024.

Periorbital fat grafting.

Periorbital aging is a multifactorial process involving volume loss (bone and soft tissue), tissue decent, and cutaneous degenerative changes. Traditional approaches to surgery on this area of the face have been subtractive in nature, focusing on excision of skin, muscle, and fat. This has frequently led to a gaunt or hollowed postoperative appearance. Contemporary aesthetic eyelid and periorbital rejuvenation has undergone a paradigm shift from an excisionally based surgical approach to one that prioritizes volume preservation and/or augmentation. The development of fat grafting to the eyelids and periorbita has given the eyelid surgeon a viable surgical alternative to prevent postoperative volume depletion, maintain the smooth transition of the lower eyelid to the cheek, and aid in restoring the youthful appearance desired after surgery. This article will focus of periorbital fat grafting and touch upon fat preservation techniques as primary restorative procedures or as surgical adjuncts.

Modified Selective Neurectomy for Post Facial Paralysis Synkinesis Smile Dysfunction.

Following incomplete facial nerve injury, patients may develop aberrant facial nerve reinnervation, which can result in facial synkinesis. The treatment goals for patients with postfacial paralysis synkinesis are to improve resting oral commissure position, oral competence, facial and cervical tightness, and smile symmetry and spontaneity. Modified selective neurectomy of the facial nerve as described by Azizzadeh and colleagues is a targeted surgical method that allows the surgeon to eliminate the antagonist movements of the face and allow the favorable movements of the face to predominate, resulting in a more natural smile.