Simultaneous Reconstruction of Voluntary and Spontaneous Smiles and Eyelid Closure With Triple Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps

Abstract

Using the free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for dynamic reconstruction for established facial paralysis helps reconstruct various facial dysfunctions, depending on nerve and muscle arrangements. The authors divided the latissimus dorsi muscle into 3 flaps, 2 placed in the cheek area to reconstruct a “voluntary and spontaneous smile” and 1 fixed to the fascia implanted in the eyelid to treat lagophthalmos in a 1-stage procedure in a 61-year-old woman who underwent tumor resection for a left facial nerve schwannoma and developed complete facial paralysis. Fascia lata and free latissimus dorsi muscle grafting were performed. Spontaneous smile was reconstructed using the contralateral facial nerve as a motor source. Voluntary smile and eyelid closure were reconstructed using the ipsilateral masseter nerve, dividing the latissimus dorsi muscle flap into 3 muscle bodies. This procedure restored her smile and eyelid closure ability, with a nearly normal overall facial impression, making it a valuable technique for 1-term reconstruction of smiles and eyelid closure.