Numbness to Bottom Lip 3 Years After Chin Implant

The sensory nerve to this area is close to the area of your jaw surgery and implant placement, and this nerve can occasionally become injured in the course of the surgery. While this heals and recovers in most cases, some numbness can be complete and permanent, or partial. Each patient is unique, as is his or her healing. The motor nerves for movement are entirely different nerves, but these can also be injured during the surgery. From your description, movement has returned to nearly... more

Chin implants sit along the edge of the chin. However soft tissue swelling and scar tissue can put pressure on the nerves for sensation and muscle movement which lie along the edge of the jaw and front of the chin. After one year, soft tissue swelling and scar tissue should not increase so it is unlikely that you will get further recovery. However, all surgeons will agree that it is impossible to predict with 100% accuracy your personal recovery.

Your swelling has resolved 3 years after chin surgery. If there was injury to the mental nerve, which supplies sensation to the lower lip, this change in feeling can be permanent. You need careful evaluation by your surgeon or a neurologist. If the implant is putting pressure on the nerve, repositioning the implant may be helpful.