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Bristol Palin Faces Permanent Facial Crookedness One Year After Paralyzing Accident

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 19:17 GMT by Us Weekly

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Bristol Palin Reveals Her Face Is Still Crooked a Year After Paralysis

A year after a life‑changing accident left her face permanently paralyzed, Bristol Palin—known from the reality‑TV star‑family drama “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and the former wife of football star Tim Tebow—has spoken candidly about the ongoing physical and emotional impact of the injury. In an interview with US Magazine, the 24‑year‑old detailed her continued struggle with facial paralysis, the medical procedures she’s undergone, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience and gratitude.

The Accident That Changed Everything

In late 2022, while traveling in Utah with a friend, Palin’s vehicle collided with a semi‑truck. She was thrown from the car, and the impact left her with a severe right‑side facial paralysis. The injury was diagnosed as a facial nerve damage that rendered her unable to control muscles on the right side of her face, causing her lips to remain slack and her smile uneven. Doctors warned that while some recovery was possible, a permanent crookedness could result, and that she would need to undergo a series of neuro‑surgical and rehabilitation procedures.

The accident forced Palin to step away from the “The Real Housewives” production—a role that had become a staple of her career—and to focus on her health. She has described the initial shock of the incident and the profound sense of vulnerability that followed. “It’s hard to tell people what I’m feeling,” she told US Magazine. “I thought I would be back in normal life, but that hasn’t happened yet.”

The Road to Recovery

Palin’s recovery process has involved a multi‑disciplinary team of doctors, including a plastic surgeon and a neurologist. Her primary treatment has been facial nerve grafting, a procedure aimed at reconnecting the damaged nerve fibers to restore muscle movement. The surgery, performed in early 2023, has shown modest improvement in muscle tone and a slight shift toward a more balanced expression. However, the surgery cannot erase the permanent nerve damage that has left her face still “crooked” on the right side.

In addition to surgical intervention, she has engaged in physical therapy to strengthen the remaining facial muscles and maintain as much expression as possible. She has also adopted a strict diet and sleep regimen to aid in healing, as well as speech therapy to adapt to the new mouth dynamics.

During the year, Palin’s public appearances have been limited, and when she does appear, she wears a simple makeup routine that accentuates the more mobile side of her face, while gently concealing the slackness. She also has been candid about using a micro‑stimulation device to provide small electrical impulses to the affected muscles—a technology still considered experimental by some medical professionals.

The Emotional Toll and Public Support

Beyond the physical challenges, Palin has faced a steep emotional learning curve. The injury left her feeling “invisible,” especially given the media’s focus on her appearance and the dramatic portrayal of her life on reality TV. “I felt like I was losing my identity,” she explained. “It’s a lot of pressure because people see a familiar face, and I can’t do that right.”

To cope, she has leaned heavily on her family. Her mother, Sarah Palin, has been a steadfast supporter, often appearing at her daughter’s side in public events and on social media. Her brother, Kieran Palin, who was a co‑owner of the family business, also visited her for routine check‑ups and emotional support. The family’s social media posts have garnered thousands of likes and supportive comments from fans who appreciate the family’s openness about mental health and physical injury.

Palin also acknowledges that the support of the Tim Tebow Foundation and a number of medical charities has been instrumental. The foundation, founded by her former husband, has offered a financial aid package to cover medical costs and to fund research into nerve‑regeneration therapies. The foundation’s spokesperson mentioned that Palin’s case has become “an important educational tool” for patients facing similar trauma.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

In the interview, Palin emphasized her newfound gratitude and the importance of focusing on what she can control. “I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories,” she said. “Even if my smile isn’t the same, I still get to live and to talk to people. That is the gift.” She also touched on her continued involvement in philanthropy—specifically advocating for neurological research and for the empowerment of women who suffer from traumatic injuries.

Palin highlighted that her experience has deepened her commitment to mental‑health advocacy. She’s joined several podcasts and YouTube channels where she discusses coping mechanisms for dealing with physical and psychological trauma. Her openness has sparked conversations on social media about the importance of body positivity for people with disabilities.

Looking Ahead

The 24‑year‑old is cautiously optimistic about the future. She has scheduled a follow‑up surgery in late 2025 to attempt to improve facial symmetry further. Though she acknowledges that a fully restored appearance may be unlikely, she remains determined to make the best out of her current condition. She encourages viewers to be supportive of people dealing with disabilities and to recognize that “life’s not about how you look on the outside but the life you’re building.”

Palin’s story—one of sudden adversity, rigorous medical intervention, and a resilient mindset—reminds viewers that life’s challenges are not always visible. Her journey continues to inspire fans to look beyond the surface and to find strength in the most unexpected places.