Is a Facial Paralysis Treatment Painful?

Facial paralysis treatment can cause some discomfort, but it is generally manageable. Pain relief options include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and applying moist heat to the affected area can also help alleviate discomfort. After your facial paralysis treatment in our Chicago office, Dr. Shastri may recommend additional pain management strategies based on your specific condition and treatment plan.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments needed for facial paralysis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. At our Chicago location, you may need multiple sessions for physical therapy, medication adjustments, and follow-up evaluations. Depending on factors such as the extent of nerve damage and the effectiveness of the treatment, facial paralysis treatments can be either temporary or permanent.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for seeing results from facial paralysis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the specific treatment approach. For conditions like Bell’s palsy, spontaneous recovery can begin within a few weeks and continue for up to several months. Surgical interventions or physical therapy may show improvements within weeks to months, but full recovery can take up to a year.

Can I Combine a Facial Paralysis Treatment with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can combine facial paralysis treatment with other procedures. Combining treatments can be beneficial, as it may allow for a more comprehensive approach to facial reanimation and symmetry restoration. For example, facial paralysis treatment can be combined with Botox injections, physical therapy, or even other cosmetic procedures to achieve optimal results.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Facial Paralysis Treatment?

While facial paralysis treatment is beneficial, it also carries certain risks that should be considered. These risks can vary depending on the specific treatment approach and the underlying cause of the paralysis. Consulting with Dr. Shastri can help you understand these risks and make an informed decision about your treatment options. General Discomfort Nerve Damage Swelling Bruising Scarring Allergic Reactions Incomplete Recovery

Chicago, IL

Facial Paralysis

Introduction

Introduction to Facial Paralysis Treatment

Unlock the power of your natural expressions with expert facial paralysis treatments. In Chicago, Dr. Shastri and Dr. Kurren Gill specialize in restoring facial movement and confidence through cutting-edge techniques tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With a compassionate approach and advanced medical expertise, our board-certified surgeons help patients regain their ability to smile, speak, and express emotions effortlessly.

What is Facial Paralysis?

Facial paralysis is the inability to move the muscles on one or both sides of your face due to nerve damage. This condition can result from various causes, including stroke, Bell’s palsy, trauma, infections, or tumors. Facial paralysis treatment involves addressing the underlying cause of the nerve damage and restoring facial muscle function. Depending on the cause, treatments may include medications (such as corticosteroids or antiviral drugs), physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. The goal is to reduce inflammation, protect the eye on the affected side, and improve facial symmetry and movement.

Close-up of a light-brown-skinned woman with curly dark hair, eyes closed and a serene expression. She wears a light lavender top, and soft lighting highlights her smooth skin and natural features against a light beige background. - Facial Paralysis in Glenview, IL

What Are the Benefits of a Facial Paralysis Treatment?

Understanding the advantages of facial paralysis treatment highlights the path to regaining facial movement and expressiveness. Additional benefits include:

Improved Eye Protection
Boosted Self- Confidence
Reduction of Discomfort
Minimized Risk of Complications

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Facial Paralysis Treatment?

The best candidates for a Chicago facial paralysis treatment are individuals who experience significant functional and aesthetic impairments due to nerve damage. This includes those with conditions like Bell’s palsy, stroke, trauma, or tumors that result in facial paralysis.

Ideal candidates are:

Typically in good overall health
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes
Are committed to following a prescribed treatment plan (e.g., Medications, physical therapy, and possibly surgery)

Consultation and Assessment

What’s the first step?

To begin treatment for facial paralysis with Dr. Shastri or Dr. Kurren Gill, schedule a consultation in our Chicago office. He will evaluate your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. Preparation may involve halting smoking, avoiding certain medications that could affect bleeding, and arranging transportation after the surgery. These steps are crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of a Facial Paralysis Treatment

When you arrive for facial paralysis treatment, your treatment may involve medications, physical therapy exercises, or a minor surgical procedure. Throughout the process, Our board-certified surgeons will closely monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed to achieve the best results. Afterward, you’ll be given specific instructions and exercises to support your recovery and enhance facial function.

Facial Paralysis Treatment Recovery

Recovery from facial paralysis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and type of treatment. Generally, patients can expect gradual facial movement and function improvement over several weeks to months. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations and performing prescribed exercises can help speed up recovery and enhance results.

How Much Does a Facial Paralysis Treatment Cost in Chicago, IL?

Multiple factors contribute to the expense of facial paralysis treatment in Chicago, IL. The surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the individual case, and the specific techniques chosen all contribute to the final price. Additionally, the location and amenities of the surgical facility can influence costs. Booking a consultation with our experienced facial plastic surgeon will provide a tailored and accurate estimate.

Why Choose SG Facial Plastic Surgery?

Choosing SG Facial Plastic Surgery means placing your care in the hands of two fellowship-trained, board-certified facial plastic surgeons whose combined expertise is rarely found under one roof. Dr. Karthik Shastri, recognized as an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia for ranking among the top 5% of students, completed his facial plastic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and has been honored with multiple awards for his research during residency. Dr. Kurren Gill graduated at the top of his medical school class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society before completing his fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital — ranked the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and No. 9 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Together, they bring advanced techniques in rhinoplasty, deep-plane facelift, eyelid surgery, facial reanimation, and reconstructive surgery to every patient, backed by a shared commitment to safety, innovation, and natural, long-lasting results — and the added confidence of two expert perspectives guiding every case.

Our in-office surgical suite is fully equipped to handle every procedure we perform, eliminating the need for patients to travel to a separate surgery center or hospital — reflecting our commitment to convenience without ever compromising on the standard of care.

Facial Paralysis FAQ’S

Facial paralysis treatment can cause some discomfort, but it is generally manageable. Pain relief options include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and applying moist heat to the affected area can also help alleviate discomfort. After your facial paralysis treatment in our Chicago office, Dr. Shastri may recommend additional pain management strategies based on your specific condition and treatment plan.
The number of appointments needed for facial paralysis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. At our Chicago location, you may need multiple sessions for physical therapy, medication adjustments, and follow-up evaluations. Depending on factors such as the extent of nerve damage and the effectiveness of the treatment, facial paralysis treatments can be either temporary or permanent.
The timeline for seeing results from facial paralysis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the specific treatment approach. For conditions like Bell’s palsy, spontaneous recovery can begin within a few weeks and continue for up to several months. Surgical interventions or physical therapy may show improvements within weeks to months, but full recovery can take up to a year.
Yes, you can combine facial paralysis treatment with other procedures. Combining treatments can be beneficial, as it may allow for a more comprehensive approach to facial reanimation and symmetry restoration. For example, facial paralysis treatment can be combined with Botox injections, physical therapy, or even other cosmetic procedures to achieve optimal results.
While facial paralysis treatment is beneficial, it also carries certain risks that should be considered. These risks can vary depending on the specific treatment approach and the underlying cause of the paralysis. Consulting with Dr. Shastri can help you understand these risks and make an informed decision about your treatment options.
- General Discomfort
- Nerve Damage
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Allergic Reactions
- Incomplete Recovery

5.0 – 3 Reviews

Mohs Procedure

I had a very minor Mohs procedure about a year ago. It has healed incredibly well and the scar is barely visible (people do not notice it unless I point it out to them). The receptionist at the hospital told me that Dr. Shastri was “phenomenal” and that I was in great hands before my procedure. This was true. As someone else described in a previous review, Dr. Shastri exudes a calm confidence and is gentle. He did an excellent job stitching up my wound and monitoring the scar throughout the healing process. I appreciate his attentiveness; his skillful suturing is like a work of art. I am grateful that I was referred to him by my dermatologist. He is a phenomenal plastic surgeon — both in his work and bedside manner

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Mohs Surgery

Dr. Shastri was very competent at my facial Mohs surgery and thats saying alot, it was major.. His skill is obvious, as more than 15 tiny stitches were virtually painless and will be hard to spot. He was punctual. Clear regarding the procedure. Super bedside manor. Highly recommend him and his staff.

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Skin Cancer

Wonderful! He patiently explained the different types of skins cancers, identified the one I had, then described how he would treat it. He answered all my questions, even the dumb ones. He just exuded a calm competence. For the skin graft, I felt like I’d had the benefit of an artist ad well as a doctor. Mary, the nurse, contributed greatly to making the entire experience positive. The online system for getting an appointment, confirming it and messaging the medical team is complicated, Byzantine, and frustrating, particularly for old guys like me. However it is definitely worth struggling through it. If I could add more stars I would.

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Meet the Doctor

Schedule a Consultation

It’s time to schedule your consultation with our board-certified surgeons. Call (847) 535-6545 or visit us at 1229 W Washington Blvd, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607. You can also fill out the appointment form on our website for added convenience.