Tightness of the oral aperture following static suspension procedure for facial paralysis, and its correction.

A 51-year-old man underwent a static suspension procedure for correction of unilateral traumatic facial paralysis using the fascia lata. Other surgical procedures were not considered due to extensive loss of facial muscles, facial nerve, and the temporal muscle. The patient developed tightness of the oral aperture six months later, preventing him from introducing his dentures into his mouth. This difficulty was completely relieved by transmucosal release of the bands at the level of the midportion of the left side of the upper and lower lips. Immediately following the procedure, the patient was able to open his mouth completely and put in his dentures. No change was noted in the symmetry of his face.