A systematic algorithm for the management of lower lip asymmetry☆
Received 20 May 2009 published online 12 October 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Purpose
An asymmetric smile, caused by loss of function of the lip depressors, can be functionally and cosmetically debilitating. Although some surgeons report excellent results with muscle transfer to the lower lip, many facial reanimation surgeons find that dynamic techniques do not consistently address the lower lip. Our objectives were to retrospectively review our outcomes after treatment of the asymmetric lower lip, and to propose a progressive, stepwise algorithm for the management of lower lip asymmetry in facial paralysis.
Material/Methods
Retrospective chart review was performed on all patients treated in a multidisciplinary facial nerve center with lower lip asymmetry over an eighteen month period. Treatment ranged from a temporary trial of lidocaine, to chemodenervation with botulinum toxin, to pedicled digastric muscle transfer, and/or resection of the nonparetic depressor labii inferioris (DLI).
Results
Fifty-seven patients were treated with chemodenervation with botulinum toxin, four with anterior belly of the digastric transfer, and 3 with DLI resection. All patients with DLI resection had undergone chemodenervation to the contralateral lower lip with botulinum toxin and were pleased with the appearance of their smile.
Conclusions
We have found that lower lip asymmetry is optimally managed by adherence to a standardized protocol that offers patients insight into the likely outcome of chemodenervation or surgery and progresses systematically from the reversible to the irreversible. We present our algorithm for the management of the asymmetric lower lip, which reflects this graduated approach and has resulted in high patient satisfaction.
aDepartment of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
bDepartment of Surgery Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
Corresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA. Tel.: +1 617 573 3641; fax: +1 617 573 3727.
☆ Presented at the XI International Facial Nerve Symposium, Rome, Italy April 25–28, 2009.
ABSTRACT