A new method to achieve complete akinesia of the facial muscles of the eyelids.

Blocking the facial nerve by injecting anesthetic agent over the most posterior, most superior palpable aspect of the ramus of the mandible produces more reliably complete facial nerve akinesia than obtained by the standard techniques used to obtain facial akinesia. The position is posterior and inferior to the point chosen for the classical O'Brien block. This new technique is safe and no complications have been noted in over 10 years of use. It is highly recommended as a method of achieving total hemifacial akinesia for ophthalmic procedures.