title: Double-bellied latissimus dorsi free flap to correct full dental smile palsy.
abstract: A 45-year-old woman with left facial palsy presented to our department. She developed the condition after radical resection of a neurinoma of the homolateral VIII cranial nerve 2 years prior. On physical examination, a complete palsy of the lower third of the face was reported. Electromyographic examination showed no fibrillation potentials in mimic muscles. A latissimus dorsi muscle free flap (6 cm × 3 cm), split into two bellies linked by their own neurovascular pedicle, was used to restore full-mouth smile. Ten years after surgery, the patient showed a near-natural smile without need of any ancillary procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabiana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Allevi
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Motta
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Biglioli
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005149:Facial Expression; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles