Introduction: Facial paralysis is a condition that leads to many functional problems such as salivary incontinence, expressionless face, and speech and chewing difficulties. When the condition appears to be irreversible, surgical treatment may be required.

Patients and methods: Between 2004 and 2010, 43 patients underwent surgery after presenting effects of permanent facial paralysis of various etiologies. A new surgical technique of myoplasty of the temporalis muscle applied to the treatment of permanent peripheral facial paralysis, was used. Such technique consists in lengthening the muscle, by using the whole temporalis muscle and by transferring its tendon attached to the coronoid process directly to the lips, therefore modifying the temporal fixed point and respecting the deep temporal pedicles, as developed by Dr. Labbé in 2002. The evaluation was made by reviewing photographs and the facial motility scales applied in the pre and immediate postoperative, at 3 and 6 months and through a survey assessing patient satisfaction. Rehabilitation began 15 days post surgery, which was maintained for 30 sessions.

Results: The initial assessment at 21 days presented improvement in 33 of the 43 patients in voluntary facial motility. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. The temporary smile was obtained in 100% of the patients and the spontaneous smile in 25 of the 43 patients. All patients reported being “very satisfied” with the postoperative results. No adverse effects were described.

Conclusions: The referred surgical technique is an excellent alternative to functional and aesthetic treatment for the management of this disease.

Conflict of interest: None declared.