There are numerous unsolved problems in facial reanimation. The current presentation will present classic techniques for facial reanimation, focusing on restoration of both smiling and symmetry of the lower lip, as one or both are often affected in facial palsy. We will examine the following questions:

1) Improve innervation of free muscle transfer to optimize excursion of the affected lip during smile
2) Cortical plasticity when innervation of free muscle transfer is done using cranial nerves other than the 7th nerve to allow activation of smiling to become more spontaneous over time
3) Improve bilabial articulation in patients with bilateral facial palsy
4) Techniques for reanimation of the lower lip depressors
5) Recapture of native facial muscles after central injury to the facial nerve
6) The role of facial rehabilitation in optimizing the results of facial reanimation procedures

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