I recently got 10 stitches on my chin. After removing them, I can not fully smile. Will this be permanent? (Photo)

Question

My lower lip does not fully extend after removing the stitches. My jaw is still numb and the scar is still numb. Will this be a permanent issue or will this ease off with time?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is muscle weakness on the lower left side of your face. Normally this muscle pulls the corner of the mouth down with smiling. Most likely, there has been injury or stunning of one of the nerves that supplies the muscle. If the wound was superficial, most likely the nerve is just stunned and should return over a few weeks to months. If the wound was deep and the nerve was severed, the impairment could be permanent. Formal evaluation and by a facial nerve specialist would be most helpful.
-Dr. P

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Zelac, MD · Answer

The first photo demonstrates the movement issue that you are describing, but the other two photographs are not clear as to where the surgery was performed. To answer your question about permanence of this issue, I would suggest that you approach the surgeon who performed the surgery and who had placed the sutures. They can properly evaluate any deficit that you may have and provide insight into your question.

I recently got 10 stitches on my chin. After removing them, I can not fully smile. Will this be permanent? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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