Digastric Muscle Transfer

In cases of facial paralysis, many methods are used to heal the paralyzed area and improve the social life of the person. One of these methods is the digastric muscle transfer procedure. You can browse our content to get detailed information about this procedure. In this way, you can find answers to all the questions you have in mind about the procedure. We wish you healthy days and good reading.

What is Digastric Anterior Abdominal Muscle Transfer?

Digastric muscle transfer is a special method that gives very good results for patients with facial paralysis. This method is generally applied to regain the movement of the facial muscles and involves the transfer of the Digastric muscle located on the anterior abdominal side of the facial area to the paralyzed side of the face. In this way, the muscle loss on the paralyzed side is compensated and the face becomes symmetrical and mobile again. At the same time, the Digastric anterior abdominal muscle transfer allows the face to regain its natural movements. For this reason, it is known as a high-level procedure that is frequently preferred in cases of facial nerve paralysis in the medical ritual and offers highly positive results.

In Which Situations Is Digastric Anterior Abdominal Muscle Transfer Performed?

There are certain situations where Digastric Anterior Abdominal Muscle Transfer is performed. These existing conditions vary depending on the rate and shape of the person's facial paralysis. If it is necessary to examine these situations in detail, they are as follows;

• Facial nerve palsy (facial paralysis): It is a method frequently applied to restore the function of facial muscles, especially in patients with long-term or permanent facial nerve paralysis.
• Facial muscle loss: Another case where digastric anterior abdominal muscle transfer is used is in patients with severe muscle loss due to facial paralysis. By performing digastric muscle transfer to these patients, facial symmetry is restored and facial expressions are restored.
• Weakness of the facial muscles: In addition, digastic abdominal muscle transfer is applied to support the muscles in people with facial muscle weakness or loss of mobility. Thus, the patient can easily perform procedures that require facial movement such as speaking and eating.
• In cases where a nerve graft procedure is inadequate: In cases where nerve grafting or other surgical methods do not produce adequate results, digastric muscle transfer is used as an additional solution.
• Facial deformation after trauma and surgery: This method can be used to correct deformations that occur after traumas or surgical procedures in the facial area and to improve muscle function.

How is Digastric Muscle Transfer Performed?

Digastric muscle transfer is a procedure that needs to be carried out with great care and meticulousness. For this reason, the digastric abdominal muscle procedure should be carried out by surgeons who are experts in their field. At this point, a careful choice must be made. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve perfect results.

Before the procedure, the patient is put to sleep with general anesthesia. He or she then carefully makes an incision in the area under the chin. This incision is made to access the anterior abdominal part of the digastric muscle. After the incision, the surgeon takes care not to damage the nerve and vascular structures while carefully releasing the muscle. Thus, the freed muscle is prepared to be transferred to the area of paralyzed facial movement loss. Then, the nerves and muscle structures that control facial mimic movements are examined and the muscle is transferred. In this way, the digastric abdominal muscle is made functional by connecting with the intact facial muscles. As a result, the procedure is completed, surgical sutures are applied and the patient is expected to recover.

Advantages of Digastric Muscle Transfer

Digastric muscle transfer has certain advantages for the patient. These advantages give the patient many things both physically and mentally. These advantages are as follows;

1. Functional Recovery: Digastric muscle transfer compensates for the loss of function in the paralyzed area by restoring the ability of facial muscles to move. This allows the patient to regain basic facial movements such as smiling and closing the eyes.
2. Natural Appearance: After the application, the symmetry of the face is achieved and natural facial expressions are regained. This reduces patients' aesthetic concerns and increases their self-confidence.
3. Restoration of Mimic Movements: The digastric muscle is integrated into important muscle groups that control facial expressions, helping to restore natural facial movements. Thus, patients feel more comfortable in social interactions.
4. Minimal scar: The surgery is performed with a small incision under the chin. This minimizes visible scars and results in a less aesthetically disturbing result.
5. Enhanced Functional Support: Digastric muscle transfer not only offers an aesthetic solution but also helps to strengthen and support the facial muscles, improving long-term functionality.
6. Low Complication Risk: Being a less invasive procedure compared to other surgical methods reduces the risk of complications and accelerates the patient's recovery process.
7. Comprehensive Treatment Options: Digastric muscle transfer can be combined with other facial reanimation methods to create a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
8. Fast Recovery Process: Usually after this procedure, patients can quickly begin a recovery process supported by physical therapy. This helps to restore facial movements quickly.

What to Consider Before Digastric Anterior Abdominal Muscle Transfer

There are some minor points to be considered before the digastric anterior abdominal muscle transfer operation. These points are very important for the success of the surgery. These points are as follows;

1. Allergy and Medication Status: The patient should inform the surgeon about his/her current medications and allergies. Especially blood thinners should be stopped before surgery.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Patients who smoked in the preoperative period are recommended to quit smoking. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
3. Psychological Preparation: The psychological state of the patient is also important in the preoperative period. Receiving psychological support can reduce the patient's anxiety about the process.
4. Nutrition Plan: A healthy diet should be established before surgery and the patient should be provided with adequate nutrition. This supports the healing process.
5. Postoperative Planning: You should plan for postoperative care and recovery. Physical therapy programs, follow-up appointments and supportive services should be considered in advance.
6. Risks and Side Effects of Surgery: Before surgery, patients should be informed about potential risks and side effects. This way, patients are better prepared to deal with possible complications.
7. Information on Surgical Technique: Detailed information about the surgical process and the techniques to be used can help patients make an informed decision.

What to Consider After Digastric Anterior Abdominal Muscle Transfer

As with every operation, there are points to be considered after the digastric abdominal muscle transfer operation. While these points accelerate your healing process, they also help you get positive results after the operation.

1. Wound Care: It is important to keep the surgical site hygienic and to care for the wound according to the doctor's instructions. Keeping the wound clean and dry reduces the risk of infection.
2. Physical Therapy: If the surgeon recommends physical therapy to improve the healing process, this program should be adhered to. Physical therapy helps to strengthen muscles and increase mobility.
3. Nutrition: A balanced and healthy diet should be established. Paying attention to adequate protein, vitamin and mineral intake accelerates the healing process.
4. Swelling and Bruises: Postoperative swelling and bruising are normal. However, if these conditions increase or are accompanied by excessive pain, a doctor should be consulted.
5. Movement Restrictions: Heavy lifting, sudden movements and sports should be avoided for a certain period of time after surgery. Such activities should be avoided for the period specified by the surgeon.
6. Control Appointments: Follow-up appointments scheduled by the surgeon should be attended on time. This is important for monitoring recovery and early detection of possible complications.
7. Psychological Support: Psychological support can be useful in the postoperative period. The recovery process can be challenging for some patients and getting support can make this process easier.
8. Consultation with a Doctor: If any problem, abnormal situation or concern is felt, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Early intervention helps to resolve potential problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digastric Muscle Transfer

Who is not recommended for digastric muscle transfer?

This procedure may not be recommended for patients with extreme obesity, serious health problems or conditions that would complicate another surgical intervention.

When can you return to normal life activities after digastric muscle transfer?

Patients can usually return to normal life activities within a few weeks. However, heavy physical activities should be avoided during the period recommended by the surgeon.

How will my face change after digastric muscle transfer?

After the surgery, facial symmetry will increase, mobility on the paralyzed side will be restored and natural facial expressions will be restored.

Should I expect an immediate improvement in facial movements after surgery?

Recovery of facial movements after surgery can take time. A marked improvement can usually be observed within a few weeks, but it may be necessary to wait several months for full results.

What are the long-term consequences of digastric muscle transfer?

After a successful digastric muscle transfer, patients can regain facial symmetry, mobility and emotional expression. In the long term, muscle function usually improves and patients can resume their social life more comfortably.