I Had a Face Lift 2 Weeks Ago. I Can't Smile on my Left Side. Are There Vitamins That Will Help?

Question

The doctor said to wait and it should repair itself. I am very nervous. Is there anything that will help in the repair process? B vitiamins? Anything I can do to speed/insure the healing?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The buccal branches of the facial nerve, which supply that area, provide for cross innervation, and you should recover completely.

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

The inability to move your face after facelift surgery may be due to swelling and in particularly swelling around the nerve.  Time is the cure for nerve swelling.  Continue with your follow up appointments so that your PS can monitor your progress.

	Dr. ES

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Weakness after a facelift can occur but is thankfully rare.  Even rarer is permanent weakness.  It may take some time for a nerve to rebound after a procedure.  Although the standard treatment of observation is sufficient, there have been some studies looking at cetyl-L-Carnitine and Nimodipine which have been shown to helpful in the recovery process.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Unfortunately a transient nerve palsy is common after facelift surgery or even after liposuction of the neck. This generally gets better overtime and it takes patience. Things that may help in the process are:

	1.massage,

	2.ultrasound,

	3.nerve stimulation

	4.steroids.

	But truly time will generally heal all. I hope this helps!

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your concerns. Many patient may have an asymmetric smile after surgery. The key is if they can move their face (but it is just uneven) vs. being unable to move a section of the face. If it moves but is just different it will almost certainly be better in time. If there is no movement in a section of your face it still cold heal but one has to be concerned that has been damage to the nerve. Be sure to be evaluated by your doctor and get to the bottom of this

I Had a Face Lift 2 Weeks Ago. I Can't Smile on my Left Side. Are There Vitamins That Will Help?

Answers (10)

Answer: Smile recovery after a facelift

Answer: Smile recovery after a facelift

Answer: The facial nerve vs. Post op swelling

Answer: The facial nerve vs. Post op swelling

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I Had a Face Lift 2 Weeks Ago. I Can't Smile on my Left Side. Are There Vitamins That Will Help?

Answers (10)

Answer: Smile recovery after a facelift

Answer: Smile recovery after a facelift

Answer: The facial nerve vs. Post op swelling

Answer: The facial nerve vs. Post op swelling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.