After midface lift and infraorbital rim placement, will all this numbness of face, nose (even inside), lips & teeth resolve? i cant pucker, whistle or talk normally. Will my normal lip function return? the surgery was through my mouth with entry points on each side. ive been having paresthesia since 24 hrs after surgery but no noticeable improvement. what gives?! thanks for your reply.
Answer: Much numbness and lips don't work right. Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. Neuropraxia after facial procedures is not uncommon and may take several weeks to months to resolve as well. It is always a scary finding when your facial muscles aren't working, but almost routinely always return. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for this, however. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Much numbness and lips don't work right. Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. Neuropraxia after facial procedures is not uncommon and may take several weeks to months to resolve as well. It is always a scary finding when your facial muscles aren't working, but almost routinely always return. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for this, however. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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CONTACT NOW March 14, 2012
Answer: After midface lift and infraorbital rim placement
You don't mention how far after surgery you are but midface surgery does have a high incidence of swelling and a higher (than face lifts) incidence of nerve weakness. Most likely your symptoms will improve over a few months
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Answer: After midface lift and infraorbital rim placement
You don't mention how far after surgery you are but midface surgery does have a high incidence of swelling and a higher (than face lifts) incidence of nerve weakness. Most likely your symptoms will improve over a few months
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June 12, 2011
Answer: Numbness and loss of lip function after Mid Facelift longer than 6 weeks may indicate nerve damage
If you are over six weeks post Mid Facelift and the numbness and lip function have not improved there may be a component of nerve injury.
If the nerves are just stretched and not significantly damaged much of the feeling or sensation and normal motion should return by 6 weeks.
It is important to see your doctor for an assessment. If lip motion remains a problem after 2-3 weeks many would start Direct Current Electrical muscle stimulation to keep the muscles healthy while the nerves are attempting to grow back
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Answer: Numbness and loss of lip function after Mid Facelift longer than 6 weeks may indicate nerve damage
If you are over six weeks post Mid Facelift and the numbness and lip function have not improved there may be a component of nerve injury.
If the nerves are just stretched and not significantly damaged much of the feeling or sensation and normal motion should return by 6 weeks.
It is important to see your doctor for an assessment. If lip motion remains a problem after 2-3 weeks many would start Direct Current Electrical muscle stimulation to keep the muscles healthy while the nerves are attempting to grow back
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January 26, 2011
Answer: Lip numbness and difficulty moving after mid face lift
The mid face lift is performed along the bony location where the nerves to the lips exit the skull and facial bones. The surgical intervention can result in interruption of nerve activity as well as profound and prolonged swelling producing the symptoms you describe.
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Answer: Lip numbness and difficulty moving after mid face lift
The mid face lift is performed along the bony location where the nerves to the lips exit the skull and facial bones. The surgical intervention can result in interruption of nerve activity as well as profound and prolonged swelling producing the symptoms you describe.
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July 19, 2014
Answer: Midface Lift: Numbness Ideally it would be best to know how long ago you had your surgery. Post-operative swelling and numbness are common issues with a midface lift. If there is swelling then motion can be impaired. Surgical stretching of the nerves can also cause numbness and, rarely, impaired motion during a midface lift. You should review your concerns with your physician as I am certain he/she would appreciate and be able to specifically answer your question as it relates to you. Be healthy and be well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS
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Answer: Midface Lift: Numbness Ideally it would be best to know how long ago you had your surgery. Post-operative swelling and numbness are common issues with a midface lift. If there is swelling then motion can be impaired. Surgical stretching of the nerves can also cause numbness and, rarely, impaired motion during a midface lift. You should review your concerns with your physician as I am certain he/she would appreciate and be able to specifically answer your question as it relates to you. Be healthy and be well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS
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