A new study from a research team at UHN’s Schroeder Arthritis Institute suggests that the information shared in Facebook support groups for facial paralysis may be delaying or preventing access to transformative treatments—specifically, a procedure known as facial reanimation surgery.
Since their emergence, social media platforms like Facebook have increasingly become primary sources of information that guide individuals’ decision-making—including health decisions. However, not all information shared on social media is accurate. Inaccurate health information can delay or prevent individuals from accessing and receiving appropriate care.
The UHN team, led by Clinician Investigator Dr. Heather Baltzer, analyzed 630 Facebook groups related to facial paralysis or conditions, such as Bell’s palsy, that cause facial paralysis. From these groups, they reviewed 487 posts in which individuals were seeking or sharing information.
Their analysis found that more than 60% of posts contained inaccurate information about the timing, availability, risks, or outcomes of facial reanimation surgery. The content of these posts also varied widely. Notably, the team also found that individuals preferred receiving information from peers, with up to 70% of posts sharing or seeking personal experiences with facial paralysis and its treatment.
The results of this study offer meaningful insight into how patient education on facial paralysis and facial reanimation surgery can be improved. This includes standardizing the information that is provided in clinical settings and expanding opportunities for offline support and connection. However, the team emphasizes that these improvements would not replace social media.
“People will continue to turn to social media for information and support from those they relate to,” says Dr. Baltzer. “If we help individuals critically assess the information they find, social media can be a valuable addition to patient education resources,” she adds.
As social media continues to influence health-related decisions, it is essential to provide accurate, accessible resources in clinical settings that help individuals make more informed choices. For people with facial paralysis, this could help ensure timely access to care and the potentially life-changing outcomes of facial reanimation surgery.
The first authors of this study are Dr. Tiffany Ni and Amy Patricia Ruth Graham. Tiffany is a first-year resident in Diagnostic Radiology with the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Amy is a Doctor of Medicine candidate at the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
The senior author of this study is Dr. Heather Baltzer, a Clinician Scientist at UHN’s Schroeder Arthritis Institute, the Director of UHN’s Toronto Western Hand Program, and an Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto.
This work was supported by UHN Foundation.
Ni TT, Graham APR, Moltaji S, Baltzer HL. Facial Reanimation Surgery: An Investigation on the Role of Online Information Sharing in Patient Education and Decision Making. Plast Surg (Oakv). 2025 Apr 15 doi: 10.1177/22925503251322525.