Surgical treatment of bilateral facial paralysis: six case reports.

Bilateral facial paralysis is a rare condition that leads to many functional problems such as salivary incontinence, expressionless face, and speech and chewing difficulties. When the condition appears irreversible, surgical treatment may be required. The clinical records of six patients treated surgically for bilateral facial paralysis were examined. They were treated with bilateral temporal muscle transposition flaps as described by Rubin, and a tendon graft through the lower lip. Four patients had moderate to excellent improvement in speech and reduction in salivary incontinence. Two patients needed surgical revision of a tendon graft which was too tight. The authors consider this technique useful for the treatment of bilateral facial paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]