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Gymnastics Fan with Bell’s Palsy Dresses Up as McKayla Maroney for Halloween

Leslie Barrett was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy over two months ago, but that didn’t stop this young woman from having a little fun at Halloween. Inspired by Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney’s infamous “not impressed” face, Leslie used her frozen facial expression caused by Bell’s palsy to imitate Maroney and dress as her for Halloween. Leslie’s costume was a big hit at the Halloween party she attended and became an online viral sensation when she posted the picture directly to McKalya Maroney’s Facebook page. On Facebook, Leslie stated that the costume gave her an opportunity to help her deal with the slow recovery from Bell’s palsy she has faced the last few months. At The Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Azizzadeh is committed to treating patients with Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a disease that causes the facial nerve to swell and shut down. It is the leading cause of facial paralysis in the United States and those who develop Bell’s palsy experience almost immediate facial paralysis at the onset. The majority of those with Bell’s palsy will fully recover with no facial deformities. About 10% of those with Bell’s palsy will experience partial limitations in the face. Another 5% will have complete facial paralysis. It is important to note that not all cases of facial paralysis can be linked to Bell’s Palsy. It is important for patients who are experiencing any kind of facial paralysis to get diagnosed accurately and quickly by a facial paralysis expert.

How Is Bell’s Palsy Treated?

At The Facial Paralysis Institute, Dr. Azizzadeh has years of experience developing treatment plans for patients suffering from Bell’s palsy and facial paralysis in Beverly Hills. As an expert facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh has extensive knowledge about the facial nerve and how to reconstruct facial movement. Dr. Azizzadeh meets with each patient to assess the severity of their facial paralysis and create a treatment plan that provides the patient with optimal results. Often, physical therapy and Botox injections are the first and best treatments for the facial paralysis caused by Bell’s palsy. There are several surgical procedures such as selective neurolysis and nerve and muscle transfers that Dr. Azizzadeh can perform on patients with permanent facial paralysis in order to give the patient the ability to regain control of their facial movements. Procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts can also help treat Bell’s palsy and diminish the visual effects of facial paralysis.  Patients can trust that Dr. Azizzadeh will recommend the best method of treatment for their individual needs and use the most cutting-edge procedures to provide incredible results.

Schedule a Consultation to Treat Bell’s Palsy today!

If you are suffering from Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis, don’t wait to contact The Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills. Facial paralysis specialist Dr. Azizzadeh is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and committed to providing quality care to all patients with Bell’s palsy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh today by calling (310) 657-2203!