This was really severe when the surgery was first over. It gets even worse if I'm crying. Three days ago, I started massaging my chin based on a post that I read. If I massage the area, then my lip involuntarily pulls downward without me doing anything. I also still have some numbness in my neck, but it's getting better. I have mild Type II diabetes. I just want my big smile back. Why is this taking so long to heal? What can I do to find out if my damage is permanent?
December 25, 2015
Answer: Why's my recovery taking so long Thank you for your question and series of photographs. I am sorry to hear of your issues after neck liposuction. Liposuction cannulas are designed with a blunt tip so that as it moves through the adipose tissue of our body it spreads and pushes the more important arteries, veins, and nerves out of the way. Assuming you had traditional tumescent liposuction any injury to the nerve was most likely a bruise which should return in time, normally 6-8 weeks, but occasionally longer. If a different type of liposuction was performed, more nerve injury may have occurred and your recovery should be followed along closely. Hang in there and keep in close contact with your surgeon.
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December 25, 2015
Answer: Why's my recovery taking so long Thank you for your question and series of photographs. I am sorry to hear of your issues after neck liposuction. Liposuction cannulas are designed with a blunt tip so that as it moves through the adipose tissue of our body it spreads and pushes the more important arteries, veins, and nerves out of the way. Assuming you had traditional tumescent liposuction any injury to the nerve was most likely a bruise which should return in time, normally 6-8 weeks, but occasionally longer. If a different type of liposuction was performed, more nerve injury may have occurred and your recovery should be followed along closely. Hang in there and keep in close contact with your surgeon.
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December 25, 2015
Answer: Marginal Mandibular Nerve Palsy Thank you very much for your question.If this was just liposuction, then the nerve is likely just "contused" and not cut, and the function will come back with time (exactly how long isn't known, but it could take up to 6 months or even longer). If there was energy used such as laser or ultrasound, there may be more damage to the nerve and it could take longer (or be permanent, but this is VERY rare). I don't know who posted about massage (if it was a doctor or a patient), but in general I do not recommend massage for this purpose.I would follow with your doctor closely, but it's just a waiting game at this point. Again, the odds are greatly in your favor that you will have return of function, we just can't say when.Best of luck!
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December 25, 2015
Answer: Marginal Mandibular Nerve Palsy Thank you very much for your question.If this was just liposuction, then the nerve is likely just "contused" and not cut, and the function will come back with time (exactly how long isn't known, but it could take up to 6 months or even longer). If there was energy used such as laser or ultrasound, there may be more damage to the nerve and it could take longer (or be permanent, but this is VERY rare). I don't know who posted about massage (if it was a doctor or a patient), but in general I do not recommend massage for this purpose.I would follow with your doctor closely, but it's just a waiting game at this point. Again, the odds are greatly in your favor that you will have return of function, we just can't say when.Best of luck!
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