Double-bellied latissimus dorsi free flap to correct full dental smile palsy

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 nearnatural smile without need of any ancillary procedure.