hi, i had an eyebrow lift in argentina , the dr. used an old technique and cut above the eyebrows not endoscopic, now 11 months later the numbness in the forehead and scars that hurt when i lift my eyebrows. thank you jacob
Answer: Not much can be done at this point Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if your numbness is permanent. This can still occur even with traditional, open browlifts, but it sounds like your surgeon did not discuss with you the risk of this occurring. Endoscopic browlifts usually are less likely to result in permanent numbness, but it still can occur. If the scars hurt when you elevate your brows, it may be due to some poor scar healing or contracture, which can be treated surgically. I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Surgeon in your area for a formal evaluation. Good luck, Dr. S
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Answer: Not much can be done at this point Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if your numbness is permanent. This can still occur even with traditional, open browlifts, but it sounds like your surgeon did not discuss with you the risk of this occurring. Endoscopic browlifts usually are less likely to result in permanent numbness, but it still can occur. If the scars hurt when you elevate your brows, it may be due to some poor scar healing or contracture, which can be treated surgically. I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Surgeon in your area for a formal evaluation. Good luck, Dr. S
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Answer: How to address forehead numbness after a browlift? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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Answer: How to address forehead numbness after a browlift? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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March 13, 2013
Answer: Numbness May Occur Following Browlift & Function Usually Returns 12-18 Months Following Surgery
Unfortunately your brow numbness may be permanent at this time. We usually see some temporary numbness following brow lift surgery. This is usually related to compression or stretch of the forehead sensory nerves. Function typically returns in 12 to 18 months following surgery.
When direct excisional brow lifts are performed, the forehead sensory nerves are at risk for injury. This certainly may be a possibility for you. When this occurs the numbness may be permanent.
It’s concerning that you have pain in your scar with movement. This suggests possible neuroma formation. It’s important that you see a board certified plastic surgeon for further evaluation.
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March 13, 2013
Answer: Numbness May Occur Following Browlift & Function Usually Returns 12-18 Months Following Surgery
Unfortunately your brow numbness may be permanent at this time. We usually see some temporary numbness following brow lift surgery. This is usually related to compression or stretch of the forehead sensory nerves. Function typically returns in 12 to 18 months following surgery.
When direct excisional brow lifts are performed, the forehead sensory nerves are at risk for injury. This certainly may be a possibility for you. When this occurs the numbness may be permanent.
It’s concerning that you have pain in your scar with movement. This suggests possible neuroma formation. It’s important that you see a board certified plastic surgeon for further evaluation.
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October 23, 2009
Answer: Possible permanent, but still some hope. The type of browlift you descirbed usually spares the nerves exiting from the skull and innervation the brow and scalp. Short term anesthesia is common but after 11 months, I would be a bit pessimistic. Sensory nerves, however, might repopulate the area in the future so don't give up.
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October 23, 2009
Answer: Possible permanent, but still some hope. The type of browlift you descirbed usually spares the nerves exiting from the skull and innervation the brow and scalp. Short term anesthesia is common but after 11 months, I would be a bit pessimistic. Sensory nerves, however, might repopulate the area in the future so don't give up.
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April 5, 2009
Answer: The dangers of medical tourism This may be permanent. There is no way to determine this for sure. Surgical exploration could perhaps determine if the nerves were severed. In this event repair could be attempted but would not likely to be successful. Essentially you are describing two different issues. One is pain The other is numbness. To some degree they are related and treatment depends on your goals. To manage the pain, you may want to massage the area, or use topical creams with capsacin (pepper derivative) which distract the pain fibers similar to a TENS unit for the back. Alternatively, if there is one highly sensitive point, it may be indicative of a neruoma which requires removal and will defcfinitely leave you with permanent numbness. To treat the numbness, the options are surgical repair (with low likelihood of success) and at great expense or tincture of time. This could see some improvement over two years.
Helpful
April 5, 2009
Answer: The dangers of medical tourism This may be permanent. There is no way to determine this for sure. Surgical exploration could perhaps determine if the nerves were severed. In this event repair could be attempted but would not likely to be successful. Essentially you are describing two different issues. One is pain The other is numbness. To some degree they are related and treatment depends on your goals. To manage the pain, you may want to massage the area, or use topical creams with capsacin (pepper derivative) which distract the pain fibers similar to a TENS unit for the back. Alternatively, if there is one highly sensitive point, it may be indicative of a neruoma which requires removal and will defcfinitely leave you with permanent numbness. To treat the numbness, the options are surgical repair (with low likelihood of success) and at great expense or tincture of time. This could see some improvement over two years.
Helpful