Evaluating Dynamic Smile Outcomes of Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer in Pediatric Facial Palsy Using Image-Based Analysis.

Journal: Journal of reconstructive microsurgery
Published Date: Jul 30, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Facial nerve palsy in children leads to significant functional impairment and facial asymmetry. While free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT) is a cornerstone technique for smile reanimation in both pediatric and adult patients, its evaluation has mainly focused on the single metric of commissure excursion. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of FGMT in restoring dynamic smiles in pediatric patients with facial palsy using image analysis.

Authors

  • Melanie Bakovic
    Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Asli Pekcan
    Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
  • Raina K Patel
    Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Valeria Mejia
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Maya Lazar
    Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Sally Danto
    Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • William Magee
    Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Jessica A Lee
    Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Mark M Urata
    Division of Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.
  • Jeffrey A Hammoudeh
    Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.

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