4 weeks post op Chin Implant, I can't close my lips and my lower lip is stiff. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I am 4 weeks post op after a med sized intra-oral chin implant and rhino/septo. My lower lip is numb in the center and my lips don't close easily now. I have to force them together (see pic) and my lower lip is very tight when I move it. My speech slurs and I can't chew with my mouth closed. Will my mouth heal and be normal again, and how long could that take? Should I get the implant resized? I will talk to my surgeon but this is causing me a lot of anxiety and opinions would be very welcome.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  I believe your chin implant is too big. It is causing you mental is muscle strain which makes it difficult to achieve lip closure. I particularly like a woman to have a softer chin on profile view. Your preoperative profile view appears to be very very good. I would definitely speak to your surgeon about at least resizing your chin implant to give you a little softer profile and less lower lip/mentalis muscle strain.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as very expected healing phase as your are describing. Best to have very close follow up with your surgeon as needed.

4 weeks post op Chin Implant, I can't close my lips and my lower lip is stiff. Is this normal? (photos)

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