Bristol Palin Seeks Plastic Surgery to Fix Facial Paralysis

The former reality TV star is looking into options to address her 'crazy' and 'embarrassing' condition.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, has been dealing with facial paralysis for over a year. In a recent video, she revealed she is seeking a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas to explore options to fix the issue, which causes her left eye to close when she smiles or is expressive. Palin described the condition as 'crazy' and 'embarrassing' and said she is hopeful the doctor can help with either Botox or surgery to improve the symmetry of her face.

Why it matters

Palin's openness about her struggle with facial paralysis sheds light on a relatively common neurological condition called Bell's palsy, which can be brought on by stress. Her journey to find a solution highlights the impact such a condition can have on one's self-confidence and daily life.

The details

In January 2025, Palin first revealed she was dealing with facial paralysis, claiming it was caused by a neurological disorder 'brought on by stress.' She underwent a CT scan, took medications, but the paralysis persisted. Palin said the left side of her face was numb and she couldn't even blink her eye. Now, over a year later, she is seeking a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial paralysis treatments to explore options like Botox or surgery to improve the symmetry of her face and address the issue with her left eye closing when she smiles.

  • In January 2025, Palin first revealed she was dealing with facial paralysis.
  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, Palin shared a video saying she has a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas.

The players

Bristol Palin

The 35-year-old former reality TV star and public speaker, who is the daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd Palin.

Sarah Palin

Bristol Palin's mother, the former Governor of Alaska.

Todd Palin

Bristol Palin's father.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to have a consultation today with a plastic surgeon in Austin. I've read that she specializes in facial paralysis type stuff so we'll see what she says.”

— Bristol Palin (Instagram)

“When I smile or when I'm expressive, it closes. I don't really care about my crooked mouth but my eye... so embarrassing to me. I feel like I should wear an eyepatch or something.”

— Bristol Palin (Instagram)

“It looks crazy, and I just feel like I can't even smile because it just closes.”

— Bristol Palin (Instagram)

What’s next

Palin said she would share more updates after her consultation with the plastic surgeon.

The takeaway

Palin's openness about her struggle with facial paralysis highlights the impact such a condition can have on one's self-confidence and daily life, and her journey to find a solution underscores the importance of seeking medical care and exploring various treatment options for neurological disorders.