Numbness After Chin Liposuction and Implant

asked 3 years ago by GoodStudent in Bay Area California
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 1,294 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, numb

I had chin liposuction (submental) and a chin implant on 04/23/09. Although I can move my lower lip and chin well, I still have no feeling in those areas at all. I even bit my lower lip several times while eating. During a follow-up consultation yesterday, my doctor said that he was worried about this numbness. He thinks I might have to remove the implant, wait 3 months, and put it on again. I feel that it's still too early to think about surgery because I've only had 2 weeks of recovery. Please give me your thoughts.

6 answers to Numbness After Chin Liposuction and Implant

Is the numbness on both sides?

If the numbness involves both sides of the chin, it might be simply due to swelling, stretching, and bruising around the mental nerves, particularly if the numbness is not complete. In that case, watchful waiting may be all that's required. Cutting of the mental nerves on both sides, or complete numbness might well require removal of the implant to allow for some nerve recovery. Your surgeon will have a better idea of the status of those nerves since he was the one there at surgery. It's... more

David C. Pearson, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Wait before deciding

The numbness that has resulted in the lower lip is most likely the result of the chin implant and not the liposuction in the neck. Since it has only been two weeks, one should wait before having the implant removed for approximately three to four months to see if it comes back. If it does not come back, then the implant can be considered for removal for a period of time before re-implanting it. The nerve was most likely stretched at the time of surgery and will most likely come back.... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Chin and lip numbness common after chin implant, rare after chin or neck liposuction

Numbness of the chin and lower lip after chin implant is not uncommon but rarely happens after liposuction of the chin or neck area. There are two large nerves, the Mental Nerves which supply sensation or feeling to the chin and lower lip and which exit the chin bone just below the "eye teeth". During the course of dissecting a pocket in which to place the chin implant these nerves can be stretched or injured, resulting in numbness of the chin and lower lip... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after chin implant and chin liposuction

Numbness after either or both of these procedures is common, but temporary. I would not rush to remove the implant until an adequate period of healing has happened. Usually this is around 2-3 months, which allows for all postoperative swelling to disappear. If you are sitll numb, consider having the implant removed.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after Chin liposuction and implant

It is possible to perform a chin implant at the same time as liposuction to this area. If you have an area of numbness or odd sensation in your chin is possible that the chin implant may be touching or you're taking one of your mental nerves. At this time, it is best to let your surgeon know about your concerns so that they may determine if the implant is residing in the correct position. If the chin implant has shifted and is now irritating nerve, it may be necessary to perform a... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after chin implant and lipo

Numbness after a chin implant and liposuction is fairly common after these procedures. Usually it improves within about 6 weeks or so. If it does not, it may be that the implant is pushing on the nerve. There is always a slight risk that the nerve was cut if it is unilateral (one side).

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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