How to help feeling return after chin implant?

Question

Hi, I had rhinoplasty with a chin implant 13 days ago. While everything is healing nicely, I am still very numb in my bottom lip. I know that numbness is caused by the stretching of the nerves along the jaw and can last 2-3 weeks up to several months. The numbness is making it very difficult to talk and smile. I am still wearing the chin strap at night as per my doctor's recommendation. What can I do to help the numbness go away? Are there massages or stretches I can do to help speed up the process?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

While manual lymphatic drainage may help resolve edema and swelling and Vitamin B may help nerve recovery, time is your best friend. Massage may dislodge the implant somalways consult with your surgeon first

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do to help speed up the process of having feeling return to your bottom lip after your chin implant procedure.  Massages or stretches will not help to accelerate this process.  It is just a matter of waiting more time and allowing the nerves to heal.  It sometimes can take a few months for the feeling to return.

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

sturtzr1,
Thanks for the question.  Numbness after a chin implant is relatively common, and the best thing you can do to relieve it is time.  It could be due to stretching during the surgery or to a lot of swelling in the area of the nerve, both of which should improve with time, though it can take up to three months for this to happen in some people.  Please have patience, and good luck with your recovery!

Best Wishes,
Summit Kundaria, MD
Charlotte, NC

How to help feeling return after chin implant?

Answers (3)