Was just diagnosed with Bell's palsy and getting married. How can I get mouth to turn up for wedding? Would facelift tape work?

Question

I'm taking prednisone and antibiotic for sunus infection (second one in two months) Also taking some supplements (B vitamins, Lysine, MSM, DMSO). Using artificial tears, a heat eye mask. It's possible may resolve by wedding, but if not want to at least like to not frown at my wedding. It's a second wedding and no spring chicken (I'm a 61 year old widow), but do want to look decent. Turned down mouth main concern

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You should consider having a filler or Botox for the time being, but in the future you should consider having a revision surgery.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately there is no quick fix for Bell’s palsy. After taking the initial course of antiviral and steroid medication, your body needs time to heal on its own. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a facial nerve specialist to discuss your options. Depending on how long ago you were diagnosed, and when your wedding is planned for, it’s possible that you could be a candidate to begin facial physical therapy and perhaps even receive Botox injections to help address some of your concerns. I caution you to be weary of going to just any physician for these treatments. It’s crucial to find a doctor who specializes in treating patients like yourself who have Bell’s palsy. I help people with all different types of facial paralysis on a regular basis and would be happy to see you for a consultation. Once I am able to assess you, we can discuss treatment options and create a customized plan to get you looking your  best for your wedding.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Bills palsycongratulations on your upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery has no place in the management of Bell's palsy. Careful monitoring by your primary care physician or neurologist  Plus medical management steroids is the mainstay of treatment. After that it's just time to allow  hopefully complete resolution of your signs and symptoms.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

I am very sorry to hear this. There is nothing to do at this point except let it all try to resolve.  The down-turned mouth can only improved possible with filler which can be reversed if it doesn't look good. After a year or so, the can be improved with facial animation procedures.  Good luck.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It's hard to say without seeing you, but a facelift with stitches targeting your mouth might benefit you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I know of no therapy for temporary benefit from muscle weakness resulting from Bell's palsy. Most of the time the resolution is complete and nothing need be done. In more severe cases there are rather sophisticated operations. I know of no short-term temporary solution however

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

I am sorry for you problem and it is not very good timing. Unfortunately there is no easy surgical correction for this problem at this time. The odds are in your favor. With proper treatment with steroids and anti-viral medication 90+% of patient recover full function of their face. You did not mentioned how long ago you are suffering from this condition but hopefully is not a long time. Some patients will have to wait a year before any corrective measures are taken. Make sure you are able to close completely your eye on the affected side, corneal dryness is the real emergency in your case.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear gmcloud,

This just proves the old adage, there is
never a convenient time to get sick. Sorry about the timing of this. It does
make one wonder whether stress induced this. It looks you are already doing
everything possible. There is no effective filler or suspension means that is going
to really be satisfactory for you.

Best of luck on your upcoming nuptials.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question- so sorry to hear about this! The general rules of thumb for Bell's palsy are to treat it with steroids and wait to see how much function returns. One possibility you can consider is to use Botox to make your lower face more symmetrical. By weakening your good side you can expect improved symmetry which would improve how things look for your wedding pictures. It's also temporary. Depending on what muscles are affected, you may also be able to use Botox on the affected side to improve how your mouth looks, but likely this won't be an option for you at this point. I'd visit with someone who is experienced with Botox to discuss your options. Good luck! I hope it goes away soon!

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and concerns about Bell's palsy.  Without the benefit of an in person exam and photos and more information such as your wedding date and start date of the palsy, it's hard to give your best treatment plan.  However, we often treat patients who present with Bell's palsy in my office with Botox for facial reanimation.  This is not indicated for all patients so you would do well to discuss this with your physician to see if you're a candidate.  I am sorry to hear you are going through this especially just before your wedding.  Wish you the best.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Was just diagnosed with Bell's palsy and getting married. How can I get mouth to turn up for wedding? Would facelift tape work?

Answers (14)

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