Lower Cheek and neck swelling and lip paralysis?

By NJRed on 01 Aug 2012

I had my Ulthera treatment yesterday and am experiencing numbness, swelling in my lower cheeks, jaw and neck and some paralysis one side of my mouth (much like after you have novacaine at the dentist). I notice it most when I smile or try to drink something. I have called my doctor and understand that this can happen and should resolve itself. I have a small narrow face so right now I have a mild chipmunk look! Also trying to treat with ice as instructed to reduce swelling that may be affecting the nerve or muscle. A rep from Ulthera was in my session so I know it was done correctly. Has anyone else had these issues and when did they finally go away? Not too nervous and although I know everyone is different I was just wondering how long I may have to deal with this? Thanks :)

Comments (8)

Big Pines 3 Dec 2012

I had Ulthera done in late June. Despite the medication I was given, the pain was intense. I left the doctor's office massively swollen. I bruised so badly that it was 12 weeks before I could go without heavy makeup. Worst of all, my upper lip and jowl area was partially paralyzed for over a month and those areas were numb for over three months. It was 3.5 months before I felt and looked like myself.

LAShrimp 6 Oct 2012

Thank you so much for the quick response. I don't have bruising or tingling, just extreme swelling. To the point that my face looks like half pumpkin- half chipmunk. also the skin under my chin doubled in size. Today is my third day out and the swelling looks worse today. Hopefully it will start getting better by tomorrow, if not I will call the doctor on Monday. I have been putting ice on it and I slept elevated. I have also hid in my house. LOL!

ponygirl 8 Oct 2012

Hi. I had Ultherapy Jan. 21, 2012, and experienced the same issues. It took two months for me to fully recovery. I still have a dent on the left side of my forehead and to the left of my mouth. My bangs hide my forehead and I used filler for the dent next to my mouth. I would not encourage anyone to have this procedure and will not do it again.

NJRed 8 Oct 2012

Ponygirl, so sorry to hear about the dents left from the producure. Where did you have this done?

NJRed 8 Oct 2012

How are you doing today? Has the swelling gone down? Swelling is something that will resolve itself so except for having to hide out for a bit I'm sure it will turn out okay. Hope all is well.

LAShrimp 6 Oct 2012

I had Ulthera two days ago and I really look like a chipmunk. I have extreme swelling in the lower face, under the chin and jowl. There is no way I could go out looking like this. Did yours get better? How long did it take for your chipmunk look to go away?

NJRed 6 Oct 2012

It took about 3-4 days. I wish I had put ice on it right away but I did it the day after once I asked the Dr if it was ok. That helped. I think I was definitely the worst case scenario when it came to side effects of this procedure. I had a droop which lasted for weeks but it improved slightly everyday. All visual side effects were gone by the end of the first month and tightening and smoother skin started to occur almost immediately which remained after the swelling went away. It is now over 2 months and my face is improving everyday. Everyone tells me I look great. I have no regrets having this done even after having to deal with the side effects. I still have some tingling when I touch my lower check area but it lessens every day. I'm happy with this procedure.