How a Plastic Surgeon Can Help Your Bell’s Palsy

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), it is estimated that 25-35 per 100,000 people in the United States are affected with Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s palsy is the leading cause of facial paralysis. Due to its very noticeable symptoms, it is a disorder that can bring devastating effects to those who suffer, including a distorted and imbalanced facial appearance as well as a loss of facial movement and expression.

While about 85% of people will recover within three weeks, Bell’s Palsy can also be permanent or involve a lengthy recovery of several months. Regardless of how long you have to suffer from a droopy, one-sided face, it is a condition that can not only affects your self-esteem, but it can also be detrimental to your mental well-being and quality of life.

Fortunately, a skilled facial plastic surgeon can help, whether you have temporary or permanent paralysis. Dr. Ben Talei is an experienced and highly skilled facial plastic surgeon who understands the intricate combination of nerves, muscles and tissues within the face. He offers surgical and non-surgical options to restore symmetry and functionality to the face after facial paralysis.

Symptoms and Causes of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is facial paralysis on one side of the face with symptoms that often develop suddenly or overnight. This is caused when the nerves that control muscle movement are damaged or inflamed, which results in drooping and asymmetry in the brows, cheeks and lips. Some experts believe this nerve damage happens as a reaction to a virus. Bell’s Palsy can affect anyone of any gender and age, but the risk tends to increase during pregnancy, preeclampsia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and upper respiratory ailments.

Unfortunately, this nerve damage leads to devastating cosmetic issues as well as a host of functional problems including the sense of taste and the production of tears and saliva. Consequently, patients may find it difficult to swallow, smile and speak normally. Eye problems are a critical concern for Bell’s Palsy sufferers because the eye may not be able to fully close. These are important concerns that a plastic surgeon will carefully address when providing Bell’s Palsy treatment.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments to Restore Facial Balance

By choosing a skilled facial plastic surgeon who utilizes today’s advances in reconstructive surgery, the facial asymmetries and other symptoms of Bell’s Palsy can be significantly improved. Dr. Ben Talei in Beverly Hills offers a variety of minimally invasive procedures to treat Bell’s Palsy, including non-surgical Botox injections to the unaffected side as well as dedicated surgical techniques to restore facial balance.

Did you wake up with Bell’s Palsy? You don’t have to hide. We can help you at our state-of-the-art plastic surgery center in Beverly Hills.