Facial palsy, also known as Bell’s palsy, leaves one side of your face sagging and drooping. Similar to symptoms observed after a stroke, facial palsy symptoms typically affect one eyelid and one side of your smile. Facial palsy symptoms can develop over just a few days or hours.

How Long Can Facial Palsy Symptoms Last?

Mild cases of facial palsy can affect you for 3-6 months, while severe cases can result in lasting complications, including facial nerve damage and partial or complete blindness. If you have facial palsy symptoms, get in touch with notable orbital and oculoplastic surgeon Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Douglas provides expert care, including effective nonsurgical and surgical facial palsy treatments, to new and existing patients from his offices in Beverly Hills and Long Beach, California. Sufferers of facial palsy have effective treatment options available to them with Dr. Douglas. 

Treatment Options for Bell’s Palsy

Here’s what you need to know about some of your best treatment options for facial palsy at Dr. Douglas’s Los Angeles offices.

Physical Therapy for Facial Palsy

Facial palsy may be related to inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscle on the affected side of your face. Dr. Douglas confirms your facial palsy diagnosis with electromyography (EMG) testing, if needed.

If you do have facial palsy, you may be able to see improvements with conservative approaches like physical therapy. Dr. Douglas can recommend physical therapy exercises designed to help prevent permanently tightened tissues, muscles, or ligaments, also known as contractures.

Medication Management and Facial Palsy Treatment

You may develop facial palsy as a complication of a viral infection like herpes simplex, chickenpox or shingles, mononucleosis, or mumps. Lasting inflammation in the facial nerve produces your Bell’s palsy symptoms.

Dr. Douglas may be able to address your condition successfully using corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation and facial paralysis. Talk to Dr. Douglas about medications that could improve your facial paralysis and palsy symptoms.

Surgery for Facial Palsy

In severe cases, facial palsy can result in additional symptoms and complications, including saliva and tear duct function issues, headaches, and potentially lasting vision problems. It’s important to get lasting Bell’s palsy symptoms seen by an eye surgery expert like Dr. Douglas.

For patients in need of more intensive intervention for facial palsy, Dr. Douglas may be able to use surgical techniques to improve symptoms and address the root source of the condition. Dr. Douglas may recommend surgery if your facial palsy symptoms haven’t resolved after 12 months.

Dr. Douglas can surgically reposition your eyelid to help it open and close more effectively. This keeps your eyeball properly lubricated and prevents corneal issues.

Contact Dr. Raymond Douglas Today for a Consultation on Facial or Bell’s Palsy

To learn more about your treatment options for facial palsy or Bell’s palsy with Dr. Douglas, get in touch today. Call Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD now, or schedule an appointment online. 

Bell’s Palsy Treatment FAQ

What Are the Three Primary Goals of Bell’s Palsy Treatment?

Treatment focuses on three main objectives:

• Reducing inflammation around the facial nerve
• Protecting the eye from damage since Bell’s palsy affects your ability to close the eyelid
• Promoting nerve recovery and restoring facial muscle function

When Should I Start Treatment for Best Results?

Medications are most effective when started shortly after symptoms appear. Early treatment, especially with corticosteroids, can potentially speed up recovery and improve the chances of a complete recovery.

Are Antiviral Medications Used for Bell’s Palsy?

Yes, antiviral medications may be used, particularly if a viral infection is suspected as the cause of your Bell’s palsy.

How Do I Protect My Eye During Bell’s Palsy?

Since Bell’s palsy can affect your ability to close the eyelid, protecting the eye is crucial to prevent dryness and damage. This includes:

• Using lubricating eye drops or ointments
• Sometimes taping the eye shut at night

What Specific Techniques Are Used in Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy and facial rehabilitation include exercises and techniques to help regain control and strength of facial muscles. This can include:

• Massage
• Specific facial movements
• Biofeedback or electrical stimulation in some cases

What Is the Goal of Facial Exercises?

The primary goal is to help retrain and strengthen the weakened facial muscles, promoting better control and symmetry as the nerve recovers.

What’s the Typical Recovery Timeline?

Most people with Bell’s palsy start to see improvement within a couple of weeks and achieve full recovery within six months, even without treatment.

Are There Alternative Treatments to Consider?

In addition to standard medical care, other therapies like acupuncture and vitamin therapy have been explored, although the evidence supporting their effectiveness is not as strong as for medications and physical therapy.

Is Bell’s Palsy Always Permanent?

This is a common misconception. Most people with Bell’s palsy experience a full recovery of facial function. While the recovery timeline can vary, the majority of individuals regain normal facial movement within a few months. Permanent paralysis is uncommon.