Introduction Facial function correlates with quality of life in facial palsy. Previous studies have examined a linear relationship; based on clinical experience, we hypothesize a curved regression (i.e. quadratic or cubic) will be more fitting to show the correlation between quality of life and facial function. Methods We compared the fit of a linear regression model between Sunnybrook scores (facial function) and FaCE and FDI scores (quality of life) to a quadratic and cubic regression model in 125 patients cross‐sectionally. Results A total of 125 patients were included, 53.6% female with a mean (standard deviation) age of 56.6 (16.7) and a median (interquartile range) duration of palsy of 6.6 (1.5; 18.3) years. The quadratic regression proved a significant improvement over a linear regression analysis in the model using the FaCE total score (linear R2 =.346, quadratic R2 = .378, p = .033) and the FDI physical score (linear R2 = .245, quadratic R2 =.276, p = .034). The cubic regression analysis was no significant improvement over a quadratic regression. Discussion The relationship between facial function and quality of life in facial palsy is not linear meaning that there is a lot of variation in QoL in cases with severe and moderate facial impairment. This is most applicable to patients suffering from post‐paralysis synkinesis, proving the highly individually experienced burden of synkinesis. As the relationship is not linear it should not be included as such in future research studies.

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