Paralyzed lip after Neck Lipo and Chin Implant

I had neck lipo and a chin implant 3 weeks ago. The right side of my bottom lip feels paralyzed. It won't move at all. Everything that I have read says that the lip funtion will return. I know that it will heal slowly, but shouldnt I see a little improvement after 3 weeks?

It feels like the muscle on the right side of my chin just won't move at all. When I smile, the left side moves down, and the right side doesn't move, which makes my smile look very crooked. Will I just wake up one day and be able to move it a little?

I just want some kind of sign that it is not permanently damaged. I am really worried. I read that it will heal at 1 mm a day. So after the entire nerve has healed will it start to work, or will it work a little as the nerve is in the healing process?

I am a little confused. I hope you understand what I am asking. Thank you. This picture was a few days after the surgery. It doesnt look any different after 3 weeks other than some of the swelling has gone down.

Paralyzed lip after Neck Lipo and Chin Implant

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7 answers to “Paralyzed lip after Neck Lipo and...”

A: Normal lip function should return

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

On a rare occasion, a paralysis of the lower lip functioning muscle known as the marginal mandibular nerve can be bruised or stretched. Simple liposuction of the neck bruised the nerve, traumatized it, but did not sever the nerve. The nerve should come back in approximately eight to twelve weeks to normal... more

A: It will need more time

By Marcus L. Peterson, MD - St. George Plastic Surgeon

After liposuction alone you can get this type of lip movement asymmetry. Many times it may not be due to a nerve injury but an injury of the muscle. There are multiple muscles that help to pull the lower lip down. Both types of injury are self healing and would be expected to have a complete recovery. The... more

A: Paralysis should be temporary

By Michael S. Beckenstein, MD - Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

I agree with all the other surgeons that this should be a temporary loss of function. The nerve during liposuction usually is not "cut" but injured to the point where it does not function. You should see slow improvement over 6-8 weeks, full recovery in several months.

A: Lip movement after chin augmentation liposuction

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

There are two major nerves that can be effected by chin augmentation. One is a motor nerve that is typically injured/bruised from the liposuction (as mentioned by Dr. Yuan) and typically accompanies chin augmentation. Injury will result in the appearance you demonstrate in the picture. Liposuction will bruise... more

A: Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve injury

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You probably have an injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The vast majority of the nerve injuries are temporary and will recover over time. If you have any slight movement to your right lower lip, that is a good sign. If it is completely paralyzed at this time, it still may recover but... more

A: Give paralysis 6 to 8 weeks to subside

By Frank P. Fechner, MD - Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

Most likely, the facial nerve branch innervating the right lip (a.k.a. marginal mandibular nerve) has been stretched or bruised. Unless the nerve is transected, function usually returns to normal. Given the procedures you had, I think that it is unlikely that the nerve has been cut - your surgeon can give you... more

A: Paralysis should slowly subside

By Toby G. Mayer, MD - Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

First, there is no question about the paralysis being there now. It should return slowly over a period of weeks to months, so you have to be patient. Sometimes the first signs of recovery are tingling and twitching. Then you start getting slight motion and each week a little more. If it was caused by swelling... more

Comments

ohioJeff
3 posts
16 Mar 2009

Wow! I had the same procedure, and the same problem with my lower lip and a crooked smile. I went a whole year and no improvement. I had revision and had the chin implant shaved down as the doc thought it might help as it was pushing my lip up to high. I thought it was just put in crooked. I now have the same problem but to a lesser degree. I am only 3 weeks out of surgery so I will wait to see what happens. I might just have it taken out to get my winning smile back! I hope you have better results!