Have You Had Facial Reanimation Surgery—Gracillis Transfer?

I got Bell’s Palsy 2 years ago and only recovered about 40% and have synkinesis. I already had a DAO resection and a nerve transfer, and I’m scheduled for gracillis transfer in November. I am looking for others who have done that (gracilis) surgery who would be willing to chat with me about their experience. I’m happy to share my experience with the first procedures with anyone who is looking for more information before undergoing surgery.

I had a DAO resection. In that, they cut the nerves and muscles that pull your mouth downward in a frown. It is one of the areas of synkinesis that can distort your facial movement. For many patients, the surgery can restore their ability to smile.
It has been helpful for me, but has not restored my ability to smile.

I also had a nerve transfer which was a back-up in case the DAO did not restore my smile. They take nerve from your leg and attach it to the working facial nerve (from the unaffected side). That nerve has to heal. But then, it can be used later to attach new muscle which may restore the ability to smile.

The next step would be the gracilis muscle transfer. That‘a a transfer of muscle from the inner thigh to the face, using the nerves that were already placed. I would really like to speak to some others who have had that surgery. If you are willing, please send me a message. Thanks.