O uso da toxina botulínica na harmonização facial e na reconstrução da autoestima em mulheres com paralisia de bell

Abstract

Bell’s palsy is a peripheral neuropathy of the facial nerve characterized by sudden unilateral paralysis or paresis, which can lead to facial asymmetry, compromised smile, difficulty closing the eyelid, and significant emotional consequences, particularly in women. In this context, botulinum toxin type A has emerged as a therapeutic option in facial harmonization and in aesthetic-functional rehabilitation, given its ability to temporarily relax musculature, promote rebalancing of facial dynamics, and help reduce synkinesis and compensatory muscle hyperactivity. The present study aimed to review the scientific literature regarding the use of botulinum toxin in facial harmonization and its impacts on self-esteem in women affected by Bell’s palsy. This study is an integrative literature review developed based on PRISMA recommendations for organizing and describing the stages of study selection, with searches performed in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, considering studies published between 2013 and 2025. Following the identification, screening, and eligibility, 12 studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The results demonstrated that botulinum toxin contributes to better facial balance, reduced synkinesis, control of compensatory hyperactivity, and improved facial expression dynamics. In addition to functional and aesthetic benefits, the studies indicated a positive effect on self-esteem, self-confidence, self-image, and patients’ quality of life; however, less in-depth investigation was observed in the literature regarding the evaluation of emotional and subjective impacts related to treatment. It is concluded that botulinum toxin represents a relevant tool in contemporary biomedical aesthetics, and may be integrated into multidisciplinary, ethical, and humanized therapeutic approaches for the comprehensive care of women living with the sequelae of Bell’s palsy.