Facelift in a person with Bell’s palsy asymmetry.

Hi and thank you for your question. There are several strategies we use in our practice to help patients with Bell's related facial asymmety, ranging from injectables to more nuanced surgical plans. You would likely benefit from a virtual or in-person consultation with a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in this area. Best of luck!

Yes, indeed, a carefully performed facelift carried out by an experienced Plastic Surgeon can improve the results after Bell's Palsy. It cannot change the dynamic position of the face, however it can change the static position. I have performed this procedure on patients with Bell's Palsy with good results.

Dear DogMomma123, thank you for your question.
A skilled facelift surgeon with experience in facial palsy can tailor the procedure to account for asymmetry by adjusting the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) differently on each side of the face. In cases like yours, the facelift is not just about lifting—it’s about restoring balance. Surgical planning might also include fat grafting or even minor muscle repositioning to help achieve a more symmetrical resting appearance.
Centers that specialize in facial reanimation or facial nerve disorders are often ideal for this level of customization.

Most surgeons are capable to perform this type of surgery and I do this all the time. All are faces are asymmetric, so adjustments have to be made in every case. It is important to realize that the results of correcting mild asymmetries are never perfect. If your expectations are realistic, you will definitely see an improvement.

Thank you for the great question. A deep plane facelift will certainly be the best procedure to elevate and reposition the deeper soft tissue of your face and should give you a more symmetrical result. When properly performed, it is a procedure of maximal elevation and repositioning. However, if you have residual weakness from Bell's palsy (and it sounds like you may), this won't be changed by the procedure. Your question would be better answered fully in a consultation.

Bell's is very tricky, esp if you are struggling with some sequelae afterward. I'm biased, but my mentor Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is a world leader on managing bell's with surgery, including this specifically. Anyone who has trained with him also could do it but of course he's the master of this. Alternatively, the biggest facial paralysis centers are Hopkins and Harvard as well so either of those places could be helpful.

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. If your problem is a lot of upper area it is possible that a lip lift can be done to correct the problem you have. Also, it will help the nasolabial folds and fat transfers can be performed as well. I would need photographs to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello, hope you are well. Performing a unilateral or asymmetric facelift is actually a relatively longstanding treatment method to restore symmetry for patients with facial paralysis or palsy. Usually we also would be considering a browlift, functional eyelid surgery, and sometimes static slings or other complementary procedures for the best possible outcome. Developing a customized treatment plan requires an in-person consultation to assess your static and dynamic appearance (with facial expressions). Good luck!

Best,
Dr. Tower

Facelift can help reduce some of the asymmetry caused by Bell's Palsy. The depressed side of the nasolabial fold can be pulled more aggressively or you can even do a unilateral lip lift. You have to find a surgeon with that experience.
I have had experience with it and can be improved within realistic expectations.
Regards
Dr. J

A facelift can be quite beneficial in patients with Bell’s palsy. Especially for sagging if the cheek and jowls. You should expect improvement but it won’t be perfect and may not achieve everything you want