Objective. Introduction of facial nerve reconstructive surgery into neurosurgical practice to improve functional and aesthetic results of treatment of patients with facial muscle paralysis in early period.

Material and methods. The study was conducted using 20 fresh unfixed corpses (9 men and 11 women) aged 20—71 years without cranio-maxillofacial pathology. The corpse was laid on its back. All approaches in cranio-maxillofacial region were performed in aesthetically unobtrusive areas similar to clinical practice.

Results. The most optimal surgical approach for mimic muscle dysfunction following facial nerve damage was developed. This technique implies minor damage to the donor area during harvesting of autografts for reconstructive surgery of the facial nerve.

Conclusion. This technique will ensure facial movements on the affected side during jaw clenching since facial nerve function is restored via masticatory branch of trigeminal nerve. The advantage of cross-facial autotransplantation using sural nerve autograft is delivery of motor impulses to denervated muscles (levator labii superioris, levator anguli oris, etc.) innervated by buccal branch of facial nerve through the contralateral intact facial nerve. The result is synchronous facial movements.

Keywords. cranial nerves, facial muscle paralysis, reinnervation of facial muscles, cadaveric material