On March 3, 2009 I had blepharoplasty done with CO2 laser under the eyes, cheek implants, and face lift done. It's all healing well except for the swelling. My lips are also huge, and for the most part, numb. What can I do about these? Thanks.
You had a lot of surgery and you are recently post op. It is very normal for you to still have swelling. However, if you are concerned at all, you need to follow closely with your doctor. If you post pictures, we may be able to give you more specific advice. Good luck.
Hi. The only part of your story that worries me is that you have numbness of your lips almost 10 days after surgery. The infraorbital nerves provide sensation to the upper lip, and cheek implants are normally placed very close to the infraorbital nerves.
I have seen cases where the implants perhaps moved and were pressing against the nerves. So I would see your surgeon right away. He knows exactly what the possibilities are.
The nerves could just be bruised, in which case feeling should return soon.
Jill,
Ten days after such extensive surgery you will still have significant swelling and possibly residual sensory changes. Stay in touch with your surgeon, who will keep you informed about your progress. Good luck!
My feeling about performing a large amount of surgery at one time is first, do no harm. The swelling and bruising from one procedure can't interfere with any other procedure. And most importantly, cosmetic surgery (elective and not needed for health purposes) should never take longer than 4 hours.
After 4 hours, the patients risks go up significantly and thats a no-no. Many people try to perform many procedures at once, so as to maximize outcome while minimizing downtime. But there have to be limits. As far as your concerns, the numbness can be the result of swelling of the upper lip, from injury or swelling of the nerves to the upper lip during cheek implant placenment or from the facelift.
In any case, there is nothing for you to do, except wait and allow the swelling and healing process to take it's course. Good Luck!
Contact the doctor
