Discouraged by crooked smile after chin/neck lipo. How to hasten the healing process of a damaged nerve?

Question

I had neck lipo under local anesthesia by a reputable doctor 2 days ago. I had significant swelling on the right side of my face immediately post-op which has subsided since, however my smile is crooked on that side. I knew damage to MMN is a complication of surgery, and it was one of the reasons I was hesitant about going through with it. Well it happened, and now I'm feeling very discouraged. Is there anything I can do to speed up recovery? What will I tell people what's wrong with my smile?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Dear Peony20,Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you have a crooked smile after Neck Liposuction. Considering that you are only 2 days out from the procedure, there is a possibility that the injury is only temporary. I would discuss with your Surgeon. One thing that you can do while you wait for the nerves to recover, is to use Botox to treat the opposite side to make them match.Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns!Sincerely,Dr. P Daniel Ward

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

occasional the MMN may get bruised after lipo in this area. Majority of the time it will be OK. Practice in front of a mirror to activate the weak side. Be patient it should be fine over time.

Edward S. Gronka, MD · Answer

I would just try to patient if I were you. Most of these resolved within the first one to two weeks completely.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

The marginal mandibular nerve helps to depress the lip. Paresis of this nerve can occur with liposuction and usually takes 3-6 months (average 4) to return to function. You can consider botox to the other side to try and make things look more even as the nerve heals. It is also possible that you have pseudo-MMN, which is from damage to the cervical branch of the facial nerve. Ultimately, let your surgeon guide you. In the vast majority of cases, the function returns in time.

Discouraged by crooked smile after chin/neck lipo. How to hasten the healing process of a damaged nerve?

Answers (4)

Answer: To do

Answer: To do

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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Discouraged by crooked smile after chin/neck lipo. How to hasten the healing process of a damaged nerve?

Answers (4)

Answer: To do

Answer: To do

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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