17 days paralyzed upper lip after facelift: I see no improvement at all. (Photos)

Question

After one day of my facelift surgery I had on my left side hematoma and the doctor had to open it surgically, prescribed steroids for one month and as told , because of the bleeding and trauma my lip and nose movement will be limited and it may take 2 weeks until now I see no improvement at all I am so worried

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear about your complication. Nearly all facelift surgeons have a patient who has a temporary nerve paralysis. It often happens without warning. Most often, it is due to pulling and stretching the nerve, which results in swelling. In nearly all cases, the nerve function returns. I had one patient, it took 5 months but it came back 100% normal. There was no movement for the first 1 month. Hopefully that reassures you somewhat. I've included a link below with some more information. Dr Bonaparte

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your situation. If your doctor had to reopen and cauterize bleeding, it will take longer than two weeks for recovery. It possibly can take months and not weeks to recover. I know it must be difficult but try to be patient and follow with your doctor.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

I agree with what one of the other surgeons said.  Firstly, I feel badly.  Facial nerve injury is a known complication of FL surgery.  If you are still paralysed 17 days after surgery, it is unlikely that the paralysis is secondary to Lidocaine, etc which can happen for the first few hours after surgery.  The paralysis is likely caused by some degree of injury to one of the facial nerve branches.  Recovery in this case is likely on thge course of 6-12 months, not days.

Michael H. Wojtanowski, MD · Answer

Weakness of facial nerve branches can occur after facial surgery, especially after the traum of a hematoma requiring surgical treatment . This should resolve, but it will take longer than 2 weeks. Usually a minimum of three months ,and often longer 8s required . Make sure to follow up with your surgeon on a regular basis .

17 days paralyzed upper lip after facelift: I see no improvement at all. (Photos)

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17 days paralyzed upper lip after facelift: I see no improvement at all. (Photos)

Answers (4)

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