The Facial Paralysis Institute

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The Facial Paralysis Institute

The premier center for facial nerve disorders including facial paralysis and bell's palsy. Feel free to ask a question or call anytime, we will be glad to help.

The Facial Paralysis Institute is the premier center for facial nerve disorders including facial paralysis, bell's palsy, hemifacial spasm, acoustic neuroma and parotid tumors. The Institute is comprised of world-renowned experts from various specialties that are singularly focused on facial nerve disorders - including facial plastic surgeons, neuro-otologists, physical therapists, head and neck surgeons, radiologists, neurosurgeons and psychologists. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, the Director of The Facial Paralysis Institute, is a Reconstructive Surgeon who is deeply committed to the treatment of individuals with facial paralysis and Bells palsy. Facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy are devastating disorders that can significantly impact an individuals quality of life and appearance. This is the reason that we believe a multi-specialty approach is required to address your needs with physicians and therapists who have extensive experience in facial nerve disorders. The Institute has some of the highest success rates in the nation for the treatment of Bells Palsy and facial paralysis. Highly respected by peers and patients alike, The Facial Paralysis Institute is the premier facility in the nation for the treatment of facial paralysis.

04/03/2026

Botox is often misunderstood in facial paralysis care.

Some see it as a temporary, cosmetic fix — a “bandaid.” Others wonder if it can fully repair facial paralysis on its own.

The truth is more nuanced.

Botox does not restore nerve function or reverse paralysis. But when used strategically, it can play a powerful role in improving facial balance, reducing synkinesis, and softening the tension caused by overactive muscles.

In this video, we break down what Botox can — and cannot — do for patients with facial paralysis.

It’s not about masking the problem.
It’s about managing it thoughtfully.

For many patients, Botox becomes part of a larger, long-term treatment plan — working alongside physical therapy, surgical intervention, or other modalities to improve overall function and comfort.

Understanding the role of Botox helps set the right expectations — and leads to better outcomes.

Not a bandaid.
Not a cure.
But an important tool in the right hands. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

03/30/2026

Sometimes the strongest patients are the smallest.

At just 7 years old, this patient has already faced more than most — a diagnosis of lymphoma, and the lasting impact it left on her facial nerve.

Facial paralysis after cancer treatment can affect more than movement. It can influence how a child expresses emotion, connects with others, and experiences the world around them during some of their most formative years.

Now, her journey continues with the next step: surgery.

The goal is not just movement — it’s restoring balance, supporting function, and giving her the ability to express herself more freely as she grows.

Pediatric facial reanimation requires more than surgical precision. It requires patience, planning, and a deep understanding of how a child’s face will develop over time.

Her story is one of resilience, courage, and hope.

And this is just the beginning of what’s ahead. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

03/25/2026

When results need refinement, precision matters even more.

Selective neurolysis is designed to reduce unwanted muscle movement by addressing misdirected nerve signals. But in some cases, residual synkinesis or imbalance may remain — and that’s where revision selective neurolysis comes in.

Revision procedures are not about starting over. They are about fine-tuning.

In this video, we explain what revision selective neurolysis involves and why some patients may benefit from a secondary, highly targeted approach. Over time, nerve healing patterns can evolve, and subtle areas of overactivity may persist or become more noticeable.

Pioneered by Dr. Azizzadeh over a decade ago, selective neurolysis has transformed the way synkinesis is treated — with studies showing significant improvement in smile function, facial balance, and reduction of unwanted muscle activity.

Revision surgery builds on that foundation, focusing on the remaining areas to further improve coordination, reduce tension, and enhance overall facial harmony.

This level of treatment requires experience, restraint, and a deep understanding of facial nerve anatomy.

Because sometimes, the final result is achieved not in one step — but through thoughtful refinement. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

03/19/2026

Early changes can reveal the beginning of real balance.

At 33 years old, this patient underwent selective neurolysis to address facial asymmetry and involuntary muscle movement caused by synkinesis.

Before surgery, misdirected nerve signals caused certain muscles to activate when they shouldn’t — creating tightness, pulling, and expressions that felt out of sync. Selective neurolysis works by carefully identifying and releasing those abnormal nerve pathways, allowing for more controlled and coordinated movement.

Now, at one month post-op, healing is still in its early stages. Swelling continues to settle, and movement will continue to evolve. Even so, there is already a noticeable shift — less tension, improved balance, and a face that is beginning to move more naturally.

These early results are not the final outcome — they are the foundation.

Precision in surgery.
Patience in healing.
Progress that builds over time. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

03/14/2026

Not every patient is ready for surgery right away — and that’s okay.

For individuals living with facial paralysis or synkinesis, treatment doesn’t always begin in the operating room. Sometimes the first step is understanding how the facial muscles are working and how they interact with one another.

That’s where Botox mapping can play an important role.

By carefully placing small, targeted injections, we can temporarily adjust specific muscle groups and observe how the face responds. This allows both the patient and the physician to better understand patterns of imbalance, compensation, and movement before considering a surgical plan.

For patients who cannot move forward with surgery in the immediate future, Botox mapping can provide meaningful relief while also serving as a guide for future treatment decisions.

Care doesn’t have to be rushed.
Sometimes the best approach is thoughtful, step-by-step planning. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

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TikTok Caption (Short + Educational)

Not ready for surgery yet?

Botox mapping can help us understand facial muscle patterns and guide future treatment — while also improving balance in the meantime.

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

BotoxMapping FacialParalysis Synkinesis MedicalEducation PlasticSurgery

03/13/2026

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body — but few expect it to affect the facial nerve.

Bell’s palsy is a sudden form of facial paralysis that can cause weakness or loss of movement on one side of the face. For many patients, the onset feels alarming and unexpected.

What many people don’t realize is that Bell’s palsy has been observed more frequently during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester and early postpartum period.

Why? Pregnancy creates significant changes in the body — from fluid retention and circulation shifts to hormonal and immune system changes. These factors may increase vulnerability of the facial nerve, making temporary paralysis more likely in some individuals.

In this video, we discuss the relationship between pregnancy and Bell’s palsy, and why early recognition and evaluation are so important.

For patients experiencing sudden facial weakness, prompt care can help guide treatment and protect long-term facial function.

Understanding leads to reassurance — and reassurance leads to better care. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

03/06/2026

Synkinesis isn’t just tightness — it’s miscommunication between nerves and muscles.

After facial paralysis, regenerating nerves can heal in unintended pathways. The result is involuntary movement: the eye narrowing when smiling, the neck tightening when speaking, the cheek pulling without control.

Botox plays an important role in restoring balance.

Dr. Azizzadeh carefully injects targeted areas affected by synkinesis. The goal isn’t to freeze expression — it’s to quiet overactive muscles, reduce unwanted movement, and allow more natural coordination to emerge.

Treatment requires precision. Each injection is placed with an understanding of facial nerve anatomy, compensation patterns, and long-term symmetry.

For many patients, Botox is not cosmetic — it is functional therapy that improves comfort, control, and confidence.

Subtle adjustments.
Intentional placement.
Meaningful relief. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

03/05/2026

Facial paralysis affects more than movement — it affects identity, confidence, and connection.

During Facial Paralysis Awareness Week, we pause to recognize the millions of individuals living with facial nerve disorders. Behind every asymmetrical smile or still expression is a person navigating challenges that extend far beyond what is visible.

Facial paralysis can impact speech, eye closure, eating, and emotional expression. It can change how someone is perceived before they even have the chance to speak. And for many patients, the emotional weight of being misunderstood can be just as significant as the physical symptoms.

Awareness matters because early recognition leads to timely care.

Understanding reduces stigma.
Education creates empowerment.

At the Facial Paralysis Institute, we are committed to advancing specialized facial nerve treatment, supporting patients at every stage of recovery, and continuing to raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition.

This week, we stand with the facial paralysis community.

To listen.
To educate.

And to remind every patient that they are not alone. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

02/28/2026

Facial reanimation is not a moment — it’s a long-term partnership.

Ten years ago, this 59-year-old patient underwent facial reanimation surgery to restore movement and improve facial balance after paralysis. A decade later, she still returns for follow-up care and Botox management — not because something is wrong, but because maintenance matters.

Facial paralysis recovery doesn’t end after surgery. Muscles change. Aging continues. Subtle imbalances can reappear over time. Ongoing care helps preserve symmetry, soften tension, and maintain the results achieved years earlier.

This before-and-after reflects more than surgical success. It reflects commitment — from both patient and surgeon — to long-term facial harmony and function.

Reanimation restores movement.
Follow-up care protects it.

Ten years later, her journey continues — and so does our partnership. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

02/26/2026

Aesthetic surgery in facial paralysis is not about vanity — it’s about balance.

When someone experiences facial paralysis, the focus is often placed on restoring movement. But movement is only one part of the picture. Long-term asymmetry, muscle imbalance, and volume differences can affect how the face rests, ages, and expresses emotion.

Aesthetic refinement plays an essential role in restoring harmony — not to change how someone looks, but to help their outer appearance better reflect how they feel inside.

In this video, we explain why aesthetic surgery is often a critical component of comprehensive facial paralysis care. Subtle adjustments can improve symmetry, soften compensatory tension, and enhance overall facial balance.

Function and aesthetics are not separate — they work together.

For many patients, aesthetic surgery is the final step in feeling whole again. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

02/20/2026

True balance reveals itself over time.

At 24 years old, this patient underwent selective neurolysis combined with DAO resection to address facial imbalance caused by synkinesis and uncoordinated muscle activation.

Before surgery, involuntary muscle firing interfered with natural expression — smiling could trigger tension, and resting facial posture often felt effortful. Selective neurolysis was performed to quiet misdirected nerve signals, while DAO resection reduced downward pull at the corners of the mouth, allowing expression to feel more controlled and balanced.

Now, two years post-op, her results reflect long-term stability. Movement appears more intentional, symmetry is improved at rest and with expression, and her face moves with greater ease — without the tightness that once dominated her expressions.

These before-and-after images show the power of precision and patience. Thoughtful surgical planning, combined with time, allows results to mature naturally.

This is not about changing a face — it’s about restoring harmony and letting expression feel like her own again. 💙

📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

02/18/2026

Facial paralysis can begin suddenly — and knowing who to see matters.

If you notice facial weakness, asymmetry, difficulty closing your eye, or changes in your smile, seeking the right evaluation early is critical. Not all facial paralysis is the same, and proper diagnosis determines the path forward.

Many patients aren’t sure where to start. Should you see your primary care physician? A neurologist? An emergency room doctor? A facial nerve specialist?

In this video, we explain who to see — and when — if you suspect you’ve developed facial paralysis.

Early assessment can help identify the cause, protect eye health, guide treatment options, and improve long-term outcomes.

When it comes to facial nerve changes, time and expertise both matter.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait.
📍 Beverly Hills | 📞 (310) 657-2203
🌐 www.facialparalysisinstitute.com

PlasticSurgery

Address

9401 Wilshire Boulevard, Ste 650
Beverly Hills, CA
90212

Telephone

+13106572203

Website

http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com/

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