Ep. 198 Advanced Techniques in Facial Reanimation with Dr. Myriam Loyo Li and Guest Host with Dr. Shiayin Yang

From cable grafts to free muscle transfer, surgical treatments for facial paralysis are evolving quickly. In this episode of the Backtable ENT Podcast, Dr. Myriam Loyo Li, facial plastic surgeon at OHSU, joins guest host Dr. Shiayin Yang of Vanderbilt to discuss dynamic procedures for facial paralysis. --- This podcast is supported by: BackTable + ENT https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent --- SYNPOSIS First, the surgeons review workup of flaccid and non-flaccid (synkinetic) facial paralysis. Then, they review the principles of facial reanimation. Topics such as nerve graft selection and staged surgery are covered. Dr. Loyo Li explains her timelines for staged surgery and how patient characteristics affect her decision planning. Finally, the surgeons discuss free muscle transfer – an exciting new technique in the world of facial plastic surgery – to treat facial paralysis. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:48 - Evaluating and Managing Flaccid Facial Palsy 05:18 - Imaging and Treatment Pathways 07:16 - Nerve Grafting Techniques and Preferences 10:08 - Challenges and Innovations in Facial Reanimation 25:50 - Patient-Centered Approaches and Decision Making 37:30 - Evaluating Facial Nerve Recovery 43:25 - Timing and Criteria for Nerve Transfers 46:41 - Free Muscle Transfer Techniques 49:47 - Innovations in Cross Facial Nerve Grafts 01:06:04 - Exploring Free Strap Muscle Transfers 01:14:05 - The Future of Facial Reanimation --- RESOURCES Dr. Loyo Li’s OHSU Profile: https://www.ohsu.edu/providers/myriam-loyoli-md-mcr Dr. Yang’s Vanderbilt Profile: https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/doctors/yang-shiayin