I am also about the same as your daughter with very little improvement. However, I have talked to many many people who have had bells, and it seems that recovery ranged anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year. There seems to be no consistancy to this illness. My doctor confirms this. I asked him about surgery, and he said that he doesn't believe in it too much.
Results are mixed at best.
But he also said, it's way too soon to even think of such a thing. I would wait until all options have failed before surgery. As I said, I know a person who took a year to recover. He still has some weakness on that side of his face, but for the most part, he is doing pretty good. If your doctor thinks surgery is the only way, at least get a second opinion.