Facial Paralysis Treatment in Chicago, IL

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis refers to the partial or complete loss of movement in the facial muscles due to nerve impairment. The facial nerve controls expression, eyelid function, lip movement, and other key actions such as blinking, smiling, and speaking. When this nerve is weakened or damaged, the affected side of the face may appear drooped, lack expression, or have difficulty performing regular movements.

Facial paralysis treatment focuses on restoring muscle movement, improving facial symmetry, and protecting eye and oral function when the facial nerve is weakened or damaged. The treatment plan depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the paralysis, and may involve a combination of medical therapy, physical rehabilitation, and surgical intervention. The goal of treatment is to help patients regain natural expression, improve facial function, and protect overall facial health.

Symptoms of Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis affects muscle control in all or part of the face, making it difficult to perform regular movements and expressions. Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually, and can range from mild weakness to complete loss of motion. These changes impact expression, eye function, oral control, and speech clarity.

Our Results

Common signs and symptoms include:

Treatment Options for Facial Paralysis

Treatment for facial paralysis is tailored to the cause, severity, and duration of nerve dysfunction. The primary goals are to restore facial movement, maintain muscle tone, protect the eye, and improve symmetry and comfort. Management may involve both non-surgical and surgical approaches tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Non-surgical options include:

Surgical options may include:

Ideal Candidates for Facial Paralysis Treatment

Ideal Candidates for Facial Paralysis Treatment

Ideal Candidates for Facial Paralysis Treatment

You may be a suitable candidate if you have experience:

  • Facial weakness or movement loss
  • Difficulty closing one eye
  • Changes in speech or smile symmetry
  • Trouble retaining food or liquid while eating
  • Recent or long-standing nerve injury affecting facial motion
Both new-onset and chronic cases can benefit from evaluation. Custom treatment pathways are designed based on nerve function testing, imaging, and clinical examination.

Take the First Step Today

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to move forward, Dr. Sidle and his team at Northwestern Medicine are here to guide you. Schedule a private consultation with Chicago’s double board certified facial plastic surgeon and take the first step toward natural, lasting results.
About Dr. Sidle
About Dr. Sidle

Why choose Dr. Sidle for Facial Paralysis

About Dr. Sidle
Experience Matters. As a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon at Northwestern with special expertise in rejuvenation of the eyes and face, Dr. Sidle can provide you with an individualized plan to restore a more youthful appearance to your face. Call our office for a one-on-one consultation.

Post-operative Instructions

All post-operative instructions can be found on the Patient Resources page.