The Facial Paralysis Institute

What The Facial Paralysis Institute does

The Facial Paralysis Institute is a privately held, single-location medical practice headquartered at 9401 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 2003 by Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a Harvard-fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The practice specializes exclusively in facial nerve disorders, including facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, synkinesis, hemifacial spasm, acoustic neuroma, congenital conditions (Moebius syndrome, CULLP), and pediatric cases. It operates with a small multidisciplinary team that pairs the founder with a Cedars-Sinai-based head and neck surgeon (Dr. Babak Larian), a neuro-otologist from the House Ear Institute (Dr. William Slattery III), and a dedicated facial physical therapist (Jackie Diels).

The clinical offering spans a portfolio of roughly two dozen surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Azizzadeh pioneered two proprietary techniques — Selective Neurolysis (a permanent treatment for synkinesis) and the Masseter-to-Facial-Nerve Transfer — alongside established interventions such as gracilis muscle transplant, cross facial nerve transplant, hypoglossal facial nerve transfer, gold/platinum eyelid weights, eyelid springs, tarsorrhaphy, botox, static sling, and facial nerve decompression. Procedures are supported by intraoperative EMG nerve mapping. Reported success rates exceed 90% for appropriate surgical candidates, per published outcomes.

Commercially, the practice generates revenue from four professional-services streams: consultations (in-person at Beverly Hills and virtual), surgical procedures, non-surgical treatments (notably botox), and physical therapy. The practice accepts insurance, though pricing is not publicly disclosed and quotes are provided per case. Patient acquisition is driven by content marketing (extensive blog, video gallery, testimonials), high-profile media appearances on Oprah, Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Inside Edition, and People magazine, medical professional referrals, and a virtual consultation program that serves out-of-town and international patients. The institute has no outside investors, no parent company, and no disclosed revenue; it operates alongside The Facial Paralysis & Bell's Palsy Foundation, a 2009-established nonprofit founded by Dr. Azizzadeh that supports patient education and research.

Name

The Facial Paralysis Institute

Legal name

The Facial Paralysis Institute

Website

https://facialparalysisinstitute.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Facial Paralysis Institute is a privately held Beverly Hills medical practice, founded in 2003 by Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, specializing in surgical and non-surgical treatment of facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, synkinesis, and related facial nerve disorders for domestic and international patients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Facial Paralysis and Reconstructive Surgery Services

NAICS

Offices of Other Health Practitioners (6213)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ENT) (HLAKAMAG)

Keywords

• Facial paralysis treatment
• Bell's palsy surgery
• Facial reanimation surgery
• Facial nerve microsurgery
• Synkinesis treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Beverly Hills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medical Consultation Services: Initial consultations and follow-up appointments for facial paralysis evaluation and treatment planning, including both in-person and virtual consultation options.
2. Surgical Procedures: Revenue from various facial reanimation surgeries including selective neurolysis, masseter nerve transfer, gracilis muscle transplant, nerve transplants, gold eyelid weights, and other surgical interventions for facial paralysis.
3. Non-Surgical Treatments: Botox injections and other non-surgical treatments for Bell's palsy, synkinesis, and facial asymmetry.
4. Physical Therapy Services: Facial paralysis physical therapy and neuromuscular retraining services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Facial Paralysis Institute is a private medical practice that diagnoses and treats facial nerve disorders through surgical and non-surgical interventions, offering specialized procedures such as Selective Neurolysis, masseter-to-facial nerve transfer, gracilis muscle transplants, eyelid weight implantation, and Botox therapy for patients with facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, synkinesis, acoustic neuroma-related paralysis, Moebius syndrome, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Babak Azizzadeh at the Beverly Hills headquarters and via virtual consultations for out-of-town and international patients.

Product overview

The Facial Paralysis Institute is a medical practice specializing in facial nerve disorders and Bell's palsy treatment, not a software product. The practice offers a comprehensive portfolio of surgical and non-surgical treatments led by Dr. Babak Azizzadeh. The core offerings include Selective Neurolysis (a pioneering permanent treatment for synkinesis), various nerve transfer procedures (Masseter to Facial Nerve Transfer, Hypoglossal Facial Nerve Transfer, Cross Facial Nerve Transplant), muscle transplant procedures (Gracilis Muscle Transplant, Temporalis Tendon Transfer), eyelid weight implants (Gold Eyelid Weights, Platinum Chains, Eyelid Springs), and non-surgical treatments (Botox, Physical Therapy). Additional procedures include Facial Nerve Decompression, Static Sling, Facelift for Facial Paralysis, Parotidectomy, Acoustic Neuroma Management, and treatments for specific conditions like Moebius Syndrome, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and Lyme Disease-related facial paralysis. The institute provides a multidisciplinary approach combining facial plastic surgeons, neuro-otologists, head and neck surgeons, and physical therapists.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Facial Paralysis & Bell's Palsy Foundation: A nonprofit foundation founded by Dr. Azizzadeh in 2009 to provide information, education, support, and research funding for facial paralysis patients

Products and services

• Selective Neurolysis Groundbreaking facial reanimation surgery that releases the platysma muscle and reduces activity in nerves working against the smile mechanism to restore natural, spontaneous facial movement in patients with synkinesis and facial paralysis.
• Masseter to Facial Nerve Transfer Cutting-edge nerve transfer procedure that connects the masseteric nerve to the facial nerve to restore facial muscle function and the ability to smile in patients with permanent facial paralysis.
• Gracilis Muscle Transplant (Free Flap) Microsurgical procedure that transplants a small portion of muscle from the inner thigh (gracilis) to the face to restore natural and spontaneous facial movements for patients with long-term facial paralysis.
• Cross Facial Nerve Transplant Nerve transplant procedure that enables patients to use the facial nerve from the unimpaired side of the face to drive facial movement in the paralyzed side.
• Hypoglossal Facial Nerve Transfer Surgical nerve transfer procedure connecting the hypoglossal nerve to the facial nerve to restore facial movement in long-standing facial paralysis.
• Facial Nerve Decompression Surgery Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the facial nerve for patients with facial nerve palsy.
• Temporalis Tendon Transfer Single-stage surgical procedure for long-standing facial paralysis that delivers immediate improvement at rest and gradual return of dynamic movement by transferring the temporalis muscle tendon.
• Supercharging/Signal Upgrading Procedure Surgical procedure that increases the power of the facial nerve and strengthens weak smile muscles while preserving basic functionality.
• DAO Resection Surgery Surgical procedure to weaken or remove the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward, addressing a constantly downturned facial appearance.
• Gold Eyelid Weights Implantation Surgical implantation of small gold weights inside the upper eyelid that use gravity to assist with eyelid closure for patients whose facial nerve no longer controls eye movement due to Bell's palsy or facial paralysis.
• Platinum Chain Eyelid Weights Alternative to gold eyelid weights using platinum chains to assist with eyelid closure in facial paralysis patients.
• Eyelid Springs Implantation Surgical implant device to assist with eyelid closure and eye protection for facial paralysis patients.
• Tarsorrhaphy Surgical procedure to partially close the eyelid to protect the cornea when facial nerve palsy affects eyelid closure.
• Static Sling Procedure Facial suspension procedure that addresses facial paralysis by creating better facial symmetry and improving daily functions such as eating and speaking without lengthy recovery times.
• Botox Treatment for Facial Paralysis Non-surgical injection treatment effective for Bell's palsy, partial facial paralysis, and synkinesis, providing functional and aesthetic results by reducing unwanted facial muscle movements.
• Facial Paralysis Physical Therapy Specialized facial muscle retraining and rehabilitation including neuromuscular retraining and facial exercises to maintain muscle tone and support nerve regeneration.
• Bell's Palsy Treatment Program Comprehensive treatment program for Bell's palsy including corticosteroids, antiviral medications, Botox, selective neurolysis, and physical therapy for acute and persistent cases.
• Synkinesis Treatment Comprehensive treatment for synkinesis including selective neurolysis, Botox injections, and neuromuscular retraining for patients experiencing involuntary facial muscle movements.
• Acoustic Neuroma Management Treatment for facial paralysis resulting from acoustic neuroma tumors affecting the facial nerve, including facial nerve preservation during tumor surgery and facial reanimation.
• Moebius Syndrome Surgery Options Surgical treatment options for congenital facial paralysis associated with Moebius syndrome affecting multiple cranial nerves.
• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Treatment Treatment for facial paralysis resulting from Ramsay Hunt syndrome caused by herpes zoster virus reactivation.
• Parotidectomy Surgical removal of parotid tumors while preserving facial nerve function.
• Endoscopic Brow Lift Minimally invasive surgical procedure to address facial nerve disorders affecting the brow area.
• Facelift for Facial Paralysis Surgical procedure combined with static facial suspension to restore static and dynamic symmetry to smile and facial expressions.
• Virtual Consultation Service Remote pre-treatment evaluation and treatment planning consultation for out-of-town and international patients considering facial paralysis surgery or non-surgical treatment at the institute.

Quantifiable outcome

• For appropriate surgical candidates, success rates exceed 90%
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cedars-Sinai Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Azizzadeh serves as an attending facial plastic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is co-chairman of Cedars-Sinai's annual Advances in Multispecialty Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the associated medical school.
• UCLA David Geffen School of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Azizzadeh completed his residency at UCLA and served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA. He is involved in medical education and fellowship training.
• Harvard Medical SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Azizzadeh completed his fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with special emphasis on the facial nerve and facial reanimation.
• The Facial Paralysis & Bell's Palsy FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Dr. Azizzadeh in 2009 to provide a network of information, education, and support to persons dealing with Bell's palsy and permanent facial paralysis. The foundation also funds and supports ongoing research projects.
• American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive SurgerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Azizzadeh serves as co-director of the facial plastic & reconstructive surgery fellowship program at this academy.
• House Ear Institute - Center for Facial Nerve FunctionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. William H. Slattery III directs the Center for Facial Nerve Function at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles and brings diagnostic expertise to the Facial Paralysis Institute's team.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• House Clinic / House Ear Institute: Los Angeles neurotology and skull base surgery center where the institute's neuro-otologist (Dr. Slattery) directs the Center for Facial Nerve Function — closely linked collaborator and source of facial nerve referrals in the same geography.
• Stanford Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Academic practice performing facial reanimation, nerve transfer, and Mohs reconstruction; comparable specialist offering with overlap on selective neurolysis and masseter nerve transfer patients.
• Johns Hopkins Facial Paralysis Center: Multidisciplinary academic facial paralysis program offering reanimation surgery, nerve transfer, and physical therapy for Bell's palsy and synkinesis — directly comparable in scope and patient population to the Facial Paralysis Institute, though embedded in a larger health system.
• Massachusetts Eye and Ear - Facial Nerve Center: Specialty facial nerve program offering nerve repair, reanimation, and rehabilitation within a high-volume ENT/otology academic center — competes with the institute for complex facial paralysis referrals in the Northeast.
• UCSF Otolaryngology - Facial Plastic Surgery: West Coast academic facial plastic surgery program treating facial paralysis, synkinesis, and Bell's palsy — direct regional overlap with the institute's California patient base.
• University of Michigan Health - Facial Paralysis Program: Academic facial nerve program offering surgical reanimation and physical therapy — comparable specialty focus with multidisciplinary team structure and active teaching program.
• NYU Langone Facial Paralysis and Reconstruction: Multidisciplinary facial paralysis center of excellence at a major academic medical system, providing surgical facial reanimation and rehabilitation in direct competition for patients traveling from the Northeast and internationally.

Broad incumbents

• UCLA Health: Academic medical system where Dr. Azizzadeh completed head and neck surgery training and serves as assistant clinical professor; broader generalist provider but a talent and referral pathway overlapping the institute.
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Major Los Angeles academic medical system where Dr. Azizzadeh is an attending surgeon and co-chairman of the annual aesthetic/reconstructive surgery symposium; adjacent rather than head-to-head given Cedars' general hospital footprint.
• Beverly Hills Institute of Plastic Surgery: Reputable Beverly Hills facial plastic surgery practice that handles cosmetic and reconstructive cases; less specialized in facial nerve but competes in the same micro-market for facial aesthetic and reconstructive patients.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/facialparalysis
• Facebookfacebook.com/facialparalysis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/facial-paralysis-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Facial Paralysis Institute