Temporalis Muscle-Galea Flap in Facial Reanimation

When substantial destruction of the facial nerve occurs as a result of trauma, measures to animate the face, such as transfer of masticatory muscles, must be considered. Unfortunately, these techniques have been limited by a difficult reeducation process for the patient and failure of these muscles to reach sufficiently large areas. A method of extending the temporalis muscle with galea allows rotation into important areas of the face. Case presentations illustrate specific indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this technique.