The SOOF Lift as an Adjunct in Rehabilitation of Facial Paralysis: Help or Hype?

ABSTRACT

Rehabilitation of the midface in chronic facial paralysis is one of the last frontiers in global facial reanimation. The suborbicularis oculi fat pad lift, or SOOF lift, also known as the midface lift, has been popularized in aesthetic surgery literature as a way to restore midface fullness with a youthful appearance while eliminating midface sag associated with aging. These techniques of midface aesthetic rejuvenation have recently been applied in cases of chronic facial paralysis. This article analyzes the role of the midface lift or SOOF lift in cases of facial reanimation and determines whether or not it is of benefit to patients affected by chronic facial paralysis.

KEYWORD

SOOF lift - midface rejuvenation - facial paralysis - lagophthalmos - ectropion

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