Numbness after chin augmentation

I've had a chin augmentation 10 days ago, and I still can't feel the left side of my lip and chin. I also had liposuction done on the neck, as well as a platysmaplasty. It feels like I am at the dentist with anesthetic. How do I know this is not a pemanent nerve damage? Also, today I started to develop a bit if a rash - feels like an allergic reaction in my cheeks and my right ear is flaking, red and hot. The doctor put me back on antibiotics. What's going on? I am quite nervous.

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10 answers to “Numbness after chin augmentation”

A: You are early....

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, At this early stage numbness and swelling are normal. In most cases these things resolve, but this may take 6-8 weeks or so. Have your doctor take a look to be sure that the infection issue is resolved soon though.

A: Swelling and numbness after chin enlargement and neck liposuction: double whammy

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

The combination of these two procedures can cause alot of injury and swellin in the area of the chin which is very common and generally tends to resolve. This can commonly last 2-3 weeks but it can persist for a longer period. Generally there is nothing to improve the recovery of nerves but to wait it out.... more

A: You are still very early post-op

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Carli, You are still very early post-op and it is common to still have swelling and occasionally numbness. As for your redness and rash, it is best if your doctor examines you to determine if there is an infection. The swelling and numbness will improve with time. David Shafer, MD New York City

A: Numbness not uncommon

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after a chin augmentation is not uncommon. The majority of the time it is due to swelling and usually improves over the first 4-6 weeks.

A: Numbness can occur after chin implant

By D.J. Verret, MD - Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Greetings Carli, I would echo the sentiments of the previous doctors. It is not uncommon to have some numbness as you describe after a chin implant. It is likely that the mental nerve is either bruised or stretched. While this is likely temporary, there is a small chance it can be permanent. If temporary... more

A: Asymmetry and numbness is not unusual following facial surgery

By Jeffrey Zwiren, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

With all facial surgery some early aspect of asymmetry and numbness is not unusual. Nerves themselves are very sturdy structures but they do not like being disturbed. With a chin augmentation the implant is close to the mental nerve. Give this 4 - 6 weeks and it will usually return to normal.

A: Much too soon to worry about permanent nerve injury

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

There are two nerve roots that come out of the lower jaw and provide feeling to the lower lip. The correct placement of a chin implant is below these nerves but sometimes they get stretched and take time to recover. Occasionally this can take months. Very rarely the numbness can be permanent. Time will... more

A: The odds are in your favor that the sensation will return.

By David A. Dreyfuss, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after chin augmentation or liposuction is not uncommon. 10 days does seem like a long time, but you sound as if you have significant swelling. Warm compresses at this point will be helpful to reduce swelling. Be careful that they are not to hot to burn the skin. Cold does not help at 10 days. ... more

A: Mental Nerve injury

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

There is a mental nerve on either side of the chin that provides sensation to the lower lip and front of the chin on each side. This nerve can be temporarily injured but also can be permanently traumatized. Only time will tell. If you have electrical shocks when you tap on the side of your chin, the nerve... more

A: The sensation should come back

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What it sounds like you are describing is some bruising or swelling along some of the sensory nerves of the face, which can occur with several types of facial surgery, including the ones you described. The good news is that in the majority of cases, the sensation fully recovers, but it will take several... more

Comments

Carli_FL
10 posts
30 Oct 2008

Thanks for feedback Dr. Salemy. That is what I was told by my Dr. Besides the numb feeling, the whole left side is very sensitive and at times still hurst whether I move it or not. I didnt expect to have this 10 days post op, but I guess if the the nerve is bruised and swollen may cause some pain at times. The rash seems to be an allergic reaction, not an infecttion and therefore I am off the antibiotics. Thanks again! carla

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