Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) has reached another milestone with the successful performance of its first facial reanimation surgery, a groundbreaking procedure that restores movement and symmetry to the face in patients with facial paralysis. This remarkable feat was achieved on Dec. 3, 2024, by a team led by Dr. Benjamin G. Herbosa, chief of the section of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, with Dr. Wong Manzhi from Singapore as a guest surgeon.

The surgery was performed on a 36-year-old male who had been suffering from left complete one-sided paralysis. This condition not only affected his physical appearance but also his ability to perform basic functions like blinking and smiling.

The procedure utilized the Labbe Flap technique, which involves harvesting the temporalis muscle and mobilizing it to reinvigorate paralyzed areas of the face. Harvested muscle was precisely inserted into tissues around the eye and lip areas to restore movement and improve facial symmetry.

Following the surgery, the patient has shown significant improvement. He is now able to close his left eye and blink, functions he had lost due to the paralysis. Additionally, his left facial area demonstrates movement during biting and smiling, creating a more symmetrical appearance.

Dr. Herbosa expressed his satisfaction with the surgery’s success. “A facial reanimation procedure is truly rewarding and gives a patient utmost gratification and improves the quality of life.” This achievement shows MakatiMed’s commitment to advancing medical care and offering innovative solutions to complex conditions.