Nasolabial Fold Dynamics: Implications for Facial Paralysis and Facial Reanimation Surgery

ObjectivesIn patients with facial paralysis, facial reanimation surgery may be needed to normalize facial soft tissue function/movements. Critical for this normalization is the dynamics of the nasolabial folds (NLFs). The objective of this prospective, observational study was to determine the 3D morphologic dynamics of the NLFs in patients with unilateral facial palsy and normal subjects.Settings and Sample Population3D facial soft tissue movement data collected from adults with unilateral, facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy, n=36); and (2) an age‐ and sex‐frequency matched control group (n=68).Materials and MethodsMovement data were collected during repeated animations from participants using a video‐based motion capture system. Movement in terms of displacement and asymmetry of the NLFs, nasal, and circumoral regions were analyzed in the lateral, vertical and depth planes; as well as movement of the commissure and NLFs relative to the lower lip midline. Two sample t tests were used to test for significant group differences.ResultsPatients NLFs had less mean displacement, greater mean asymmetry, and uncoordinated movements compared with the controls. For both groups during smiling, the NLF and commissure landmarks had approximately similar magnitudes of displacement (control range = 11‐14mm; patient range = 7‐10mm).ConclusionNLF dynamics during smiling were as significant as oral commissure excursion. Thus, an immobile NLF is an unnatural feature of facial animations. Surgical treatments that address impaired NFL movements must be considered to create a more natural surgical outcome especially during smiling.<br/

In the Eye of the Beholder:Changes in Perceived Emotion Expression after Smile Reanimation

Background: Tools to quantify layperson assessments of facial palsy are lacking. In this study, artificial intelligence was applied to develop a proxy for layperson assessments, and compare sensitivity to existing outcome measures. Methods: Artificially intelligent emotion detection software was used to develop the emotionality quotient. The emotionality quotient was defined as the percentage probability of perceived joy over the percentage probability of perceived negative emotions during smiling, as predicted by the software. The emotionality quotient was used to analyze the emotionality of voluntary smiles of normal subjects and unilateral facial palsy patients before and after smile reanimation. The emotionality quotient was compared to oral commissure excursion and layperson assessments of facial palsy patients. Results: In voluntary smiles of 10 normal subjects, 100 percent joy and no negative emotion was detected (interquartile ranges, 0/1). Median preoperative emotionality quotient of 30 facial palsy patients was 15/-60 (interquartile range, 73/62). Postoperatively, median emotionality quotient was 84/0 (interquartile range, 28/5). In 134 smile reanimation patients, no correlation was found between postoperative oral commissure excursion and emotionality quotient score. However, in 61 preoperative patients, a moderate correlation was found between layperson-assessed disfigurement and negative emotion perception (correlation coefficient, 0.516; p <0.001). Conclusions: Computer vision artificial intelligence software detected less joy and more negative emotion in smiles of facial palsy patients compared with normal subjects. Following smile reanimation, significantly more joy and less negative emotion were detected. The emotionality quotient was correlated with layperson assessments. The simplicity, sensitivity, and objectivity of the emotionality quotient render it an attractive tool to serve as a potential proxy for layperson assessment, an ideal outcome measure in facial palsy

Nasolabial Fold Dynamics: Implications for Facial Paralysis and Facial Reanimation Surgery

ObjectivesIn patients with facial paralysis, facial reanimation surgery may be needed to normalize facial soft tissue function/movements. Critical for this normalization is the dynamics of the nasolabial folds (NLFs). The objective of this prospective, observational study was to determine the 3D morphologic dynamics of the NLFs in patients with unilateral facial palsy and normal subjects.Settings and Sample Population3D facial soft tissue movement data collected from adults with unilateral, facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy, n=36); and (2) an age‐ and sex‐frequency matched control group (n=68).Materials and MethodsMovement data were collected during repeated animations from participants using a video‐based motion capture system. Movement in terms of displacement and asymmetry of the NLFs, nasal, and circumoral regions were analyzed in the lateral, vertical and depth planes; as well as movement of the commissure and NLFs relative to the lower lip midline. Two sample t tests were used to test for significant group differences.ResultsPatients NLFs had less mean displacement, greater mean asymmetry, and uncoordinated movements compared with the controls. For both groups during smiling, the NLF and commissure landmarks had approximately similar magnitudes of displacement (control range = 11‐14mm; patient range = 7‐10mm).ConclusionNLF dynamics during smiling were as significant as oral commissure excursion. Thus, an immobile NLF is an unnatural feature of facial animations. Surgical treatments that address impaired NFL movements must be considered to create a more natural surgical outcome especially during smiling.<br/

Outcome Tracking in Facial Palsy

Outcome tracking in facial palsy is multimodal, consisting of patient-reported outcome measures, clinician-graded scoring systems, objective assessment tools, and novel tools for layperson and spontaneity assessment. Patient-reported outcome measures are critical to understanding burden of disease in facial palsy and effects of interventions from the patient perspective. Clinician-graded scoring systems are inherently subjective and no 1 single system satisfies all needs. Objective assessment tools quantify facial movements but can be laborious. Recent advances in facial recognition technology have enabled automated facial measurements. Novel assessment tools analyze attributes such as spontaneous smile, emotional expressivity, disfigurement, and attractiveness as determined by laypersons

Exploring patient values and perceptions with facial nerve palsy to help guide management: An Australian perspective

**Background**: Facial nerve palsy (FNP) leads to a combination of aesthetic and functional deficits with profound psychosocial consequences. Significant advances have been made in restoring dynamic function through a range of facial reanimation solutions. Patient-reported severity scales are predetermined metrics that provide limited insight into patient values and perceptions. A qualitative study was conducted to elicit the experiences of patients with FNP and explore their views and motivations for seeking therapy. **Methods**: Participants were sourced from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute Database, Australia. Eligibility for the study included age over 18 years and a diagnosis of complete FNP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the transcripts were subjected to thematic text analysis. **Results**: Nineteen patients consented to participate in the study. One was excluded due to an isolated marginal mandibular nerve palsy. Five main themes emerged: eye symptoms, fear of judgement and social withdrawal, aversion to further invasive surgeries, the need for multidisciplinary streamlined care and lack of public awareness. **Conclusion**: Eye symptoms and the social consequences of FNP carry significant impact on both patients’ personal and professional lives. There is a paucity of services that can support patients across the complex spectrum of problems seen in FNP

Facial Palsy-Specific Quality of Life in 920 Patients:Correlation With Clinician-Graded Severity and Predicting Factors

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between facial palsy severity and quality of life in a broad cohort of facial palsy patients and to elucidate factors that influence this relationship.  Study Design: Retrospective study.  Methods: Records of patients presenting with a clinician-graded facial function (eFACE) and facial palsy-specific quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measure (FaCE) scale from the same moment were reviewed. Multiple linear regression was performed to study the effect of various variables on FaCE total score.  Results: A total of 920 of 1,304 patients were included, 59.9% female with a mean (standard deviation) age of 48.6 (16.7) years and a median (interquartile range palsy duration of 9.6 [2.2; 42.2] months. A multiple linear regression model predicting FaCE total score was established, finding 10 significant variables: eFACE; viral, malignant, and congenital etiologies; overweight status; anxiety; chronic pain; previous treatment; radiotherapy; and duration of palsy (R-2 = 0.261, P <0.001). Gender, age, laterality, surgical etiology, depression, and timing of evaluation (at initial intake or at follow up) were not found to predict FaCE total scores.  Conclusion: A correlation between facial palsy severity and quality of life was found in a large cohort of patients comprising various etiologies. Additionally, novel factors that predict quality of life in facial palsy were revealed. This information may help specialists to predict which facial palsy patients are at higher risk of a poorer quality of life, regardless of severity

Automated Spontaneity Assessment after Smile Reanimation:A Machine Learning Approach

Background: Recreation of a spontaneous, emotional smile remains a paramount goal of smile reanimation surgery. However, optimal techniques to reliably restore spontaneity remain unknown. Dual automated machine-learning tools were used to develop an objective tool to analyze spontaneous smiling. The feasibility of this tool was tested in a sample of functional free muscle transfers. Methods: Validated humorous videos were used to elicit spontaneous smiles. Automated facial landmark recognition (Emotrics) and emotion detection software (Affdex) were used to analyze video clips of spontaneous smiling in nine normal subjects and 39 facial reanimation cases. Emotionality quotient was used to quantify the ability of spontaneous smiles to express joy. Results: The software could analyze spontaneous smiling in all subjects. Spontaneous smiles of normal subjects exhibited median 100 percent joy and 0 percent negative emotion (emotional quotient score, +100/0). Spontaneous smiles of facial palsy patients after smile reanimation, using cross-facial nerve graft, masseteric nerve, and dual innervation, yielded median emotional quotient scores of +82/0, 0/-48, and +10/-24 respectively (joy, p = 0.006; negative emotion, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Computer vision software can objectively quantify spontaneous smiling outcomes. Of the retrospective sample of cases reviewed in this study, cross-facial nerve graft-innervated gracilis functional free muscle transfer achieved a greater degree of emotionality during spontaneous smiling than masseteric or dually innervated transfer. Quantification of spontaneous smiling from standard video clips could facilitate future, blinded, multicenter trials with sufficient long-term follow-up to definitively establish the rates of spontaneity from a range of reanimation procedures.</p

Spontaneity Assessment in Dually Innervated Gracilis Smile Reanimation Surgery

Key PointsQuestionCan a video time-stamping method be used to measure spontaneity of smile after dually innervated gracilis smile reanimation surgery? FindingsIn this cohort study of 25 patients treated with dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers vs 24 patients treated with masseteric nerve-driven transfers (n=11) or cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis (n=13), a spontaneous smile was present in a median of 33% of smiles, which was more than was present in masseteric nerve-driven transfers (20%) but less than in cross-face nerve graft-driven smile reanimation surgery (75%). MeaningDual innervation may improve synchronicity compared with masseteric nerve transfer but not to the level of cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis free muscle transfer. This cohort study assesses the outcomes of dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers using a novel clinical assessment tool. ImportanceSurgeons have sought to optimize outcomes of smile reanimation surgery by combining inputs from nerve-to-masseter and cross-face nerve grafts. An objective assessment tool could help surgeons evaluate outcomes to determine the optimal neural sources for smile reanimation. ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of a novel video time-stamping method and standard outcome measurement tools to assess outcomes of facial reanimation surgery using various innervation strategies. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsCohort study assessing the outcomes of dually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers vs single-source innervated gracilis transfer performed at a tertiary care facial nerve center between 2007 and 2017 using a novel, video time-stamping spontaneity assessment method. The statistical analyses were performed in 2018. InterventionsDually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers or single-source innervated gracilis transfer. Main Outcomes and MeasuresSpontaneous smiling was assessed by clinicians and quantified using blinded time-stamped video recordings of smiling elicited while viewing humorous video clips. ResultsThis retrospective cohort study included 25 patients (12 men and 13 women; median [range] age, 38.4 [29.3-46.0] years) treated with dually innervated gracilis free functional muscle graft for unilateral facial palsy between 2007 and 2017. Smile spontaneity assessment was performed in 17 patients and was compared with assessment performed in 24 patients treated with single-source innervated gracilis transfer (ie, nerve-to-masseter-driven or cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis [n=13]) (demographic data not available for NTM and CFNG cohorts). The use of time-stamped video assessment revealed that spontaneous synchronous oral commissure movement in a median percentage of smiles was 33% in patients with dually innervated gracilis (interquartile range [IQR], 0%-71%), 20% of smiles in patients with nerve-to-masseter-driven gracilis (IQR, 0%-50%), and 75% of smiles in patients with cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis (IQR, 0%-100%). Clinicians graded smile spontaneity in dually innervated cases as absent in 40% (n=6 of 15), trace in 33% (n=5 of 15) and present in 27% (n=4 of 15). No association was demonstrated between clinician-reported spontaneity and objectively measured synchronicity. Conclusions and RelevanceDually innervated gracilis free muscle transfers may improve smile spontaneity compared with masseteric nerve-driven transfers but not to the level of cross-face nerve graft-driven gracilis transfers. Quantifying spontaneity is notoriously difficult, and most authors rely on clinical assessment. Our results suggest that clinicians may rate presence of spontaneity higher than objective measures, highlighting the importance of standardized assessment techniques. Level of Evidence4

Patient experience in nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation

Introduction: The nerve-to-masseter is one of the most frequently used neural sources in smile reanimation surgery. Very little information has been reported on patient experience with regard to reanimated smile usage and sequelae following transfer. The aim of this study was to quantify patient perception of nerve-to-masseter use in smile reanimation surgery. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed based on the clinical expertise of our team, patient interviews, and existing questionnaires of facial palsy-related quality of life and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. All patients treated with nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation surgery, both nerve transfers and muscle transplantations, between 2007 and 2016 with a valid email address were invited to participate. Results: Of 171 operated patients, 122 with a valid email address were invited to participate. Seventy-one patients responded (63.4% female, mean age 51.1 years) after a median follow-up of 3.8 years. A voluntary smile while biting down at least "most of the time" was reported by 83.1% of patients; 46.5% reported ability to smile on the affected side without bite. A "normal" or "almost normal" spontaneous smile was reported in 23.9% of patients. A total of 18.3% of patients self-reported masseter muscle atrophy, and 1.4-14.1% reported temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Forty-one patients (57.7%) reported prandial movement of the face at least "most of the time," with 9 patients (12.7%) considering this bothersome. Conclusion: Patients report good voluntary smiling ability following nerve-to-masseter-driven smile reanimation surgery, with low rates of sequelae. (C) 2019 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved