Chin Implant: Q&A

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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.

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lips paralysis 3 weeks post-op

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by neneeleigh in bossier city la

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (2)

Normal lip function should return

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 lip function.

It will need more time

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 fact that you had a chin implant might slow down the healing because of more swelling. After 6 to 8 weeks would expect to see some improvement but it will still take several more... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Lip movement after chin augmentation liposuction

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 the nerve temporarily with expected recovery, whereas surgery such as a facelift may actually cut the nerve, in which case recovery may not be possible. This does not seem to be the... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Paralysis should be temporary

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.

Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve injury

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 the possibility of permanent injury is present. The 1 mm. per day rule applies to nerve injuries that do not involve transection of nerves and refers to how quickly a nerve can repair... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Give paralysis 6 to 8 weeks to subside

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 some additional insight into this. After 6 or 8 weeks, you may see a return of the muscle function. It will be slow, not overnight. I understand that this is stressful for you!... more

Paralyzed Lip After Neck Lipo and Chin Implant

This type of nerve paresis (or weakness) can occur after liposuction alone or with a chin implant. It could also be a muscle injury as well. It usually comes back with time but may be a month or longer.

This should be self limited

Your likely have an injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. It is unlikely that this nerve was transected during your surgery. If the nerve was just "bruised" it should recover with time. If there is concern, or if you would like a definitive answer, you could pursue electromyography to determine if you have an intact nerve. Best wishes.

Lip asymmetry after chin implant and lipo

This type of injury will typically correct itself over time - usually within 3 months or so. Some believe that continuing to try to move the paralyzed side may help speed up recovery.

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Paralysis should slowly subside

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 it will recover faster. You might try ultrasound treatments for swelling though this may not help. I know this is most stressful, but try to be patient and see you doctor frequently... more

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Paralyzed lip after chin implant and neck lipo.

From the photo, it appears that your right lower lip is weak. You should discuss this with your surgeon and see if a referral to a neurologist is warranted. If the nerve is weak, function can return over the next 1-2 years. If the nerve is transected, function will not return. The neurologist can stimulate the nerve area to see if there's any function in which case, yes it will regenerate 1mm a day fromm the injury site to the lower lip muscle. If the nerve... more

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Comments (2)

Stfania85 28 Feb 2013

Hi, what is the shape and size of your implant?

momtothree 26 Jan 2013

Hi. Did your lip and nerve function return? I am having the same problem and it has been one month since my procedure, I am worried. How long did it take for things to return back to normal for you? Thanks.

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