Facial Paralysis Reconstruction
Restoring movement and symmetry lost after damage to the facial nerve, using reconstructive surgical techniques.
Learn moreFacial Reconstruction
Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer
Microsurgical transfer of the gracilis muscle from the thigh to the face to restore smile movement.
At a glance
- Operating time
- 6–9 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- 4 nights
- Back to desk work
- approx. 28 days
- Social recovery
- approx. 56 days
About this procedure
Transferring the gracilis muscle, taken from the inner thigh, to the face microsurgically.
Surgical approach and technique
The muscle is directed microsurgically from the corner of the mouth to the malar region. It is powered from the masseteric nerve or from the facial nerve of the opposite side.
Who is it for?
Suitable for patients with permanent facial paralysis whose thigh musculature is suitable.
Recovery
As the muscle begins to work, a symmetrical and natural smile is rebuilt.
Back to desk work: approx. 28 days. Social recovery: approx. 56 days. Depending on the scope of surgery you should plan for between 6 and 12 nights. The exact figure is confirmed in writing with your treatment plan.
The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice. Timings and recovery vary between individuals; a definitive plan can only be made after examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does taking a muscle from the leg affect walking?
Other muscles in the leg take over the work of the gracilis, so walking and everyday movement are generally not affected. A scar remains on the inner thigh.
Related procedures
Dynamic Facial Reanimation
Recreating a voluntary smile through nerve and muscle transfer.
Learn moreFacial Asymmetry Surgery
Rebalancing congenital or acquired facial asymmetry at the level of volume, bone and soft tissue.
Learn morePost-Traumatic Facial Reconstruction
Repairing fractures, tissue loss and scarring with equal attention to function and appearance.
Learn moreA personal assessment for this procedure
Share your photographs and let us plan the right technique and timeline together.
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