I had a chin implant 4 weeks ago and my lower lip is still numb. Also, I can't speak, eat, or smile as I did before, and the smile is really unattractive. When will I gain feeling back in my lower lip? There is also a dimple that appears in my chin as I speak. Is that temporary as well?
Answer: It may take several months to recover Kathy, There are two nerves that give sensation coming out of your mandible close to where the chin implant is placed. There are another two nerves that make the muscles move around your mouth that cross over near where the chin implant is placed. In some cases, there may be a transitory period of numbness or weakness if the nerves were stretched during the placement of the implant. If there was considerable stretching, and the nerve or nerves suffered considerable injury, it may take months to recover. In an even smaller percentage of people, there may be permanent nerve damage. However, at this point only 4 weeks out from surgery, don't get too worried. However, you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I hope this is helpful. David Shafer, MD Shafer Plastic Surgery New York City
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Answer: It may take several months to recover Kathy, There are two nerves that give sensation coming out of your mandible close to where the chin implant is placed. There are another two nerves that make the muscles move around your mouth that cross over near where the chin implant is placed. In some cases, there may be a transitory period of numbness or weakness if the nerves were stretched during the placement of the implant. If there was considerable stretching, and the nerve or nerves suffered considerable injury, it may take months to recover. In an even smaller percentage of people, there may be permanent nerve damage. However, at this point only 4 weeks out from surgery, don't get too worried. However, you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I hope this is helpful. David Shafer, MD Shafer Plastic Surgery New York City
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Answer: Is it normal for the lower lip to feel numb weeks after chin implant? 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 mental nerve may have neuropraxia or less likely damage. The sensation should return over weeks to months, but followup closely with your surgeon.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: Is it normal for the lower lip to feel numb weeks after chin implant? 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 mental nerve may have neuropraxia or less likely damage. The sensation should return over weeks to months, but followup closely with your surgeon.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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August 25, 2010
Answer: Numbness of the lower lip is common after chin implant but usually resolves in a matter of days.
The sensibility to you chin should come back in time although 4 weeks starts to create some anxiety. If the nerve was cut (and it should not have been) repair will be necessary and it will take a long time to recover. I strongly doubt this is the case. Numbness from handling the nerve is common and may take a number of weeks but usually is just a few days. If the implant is putting pressure on the nerve, it will need to be repositioned if sensibility is to return.
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August 25, 2010
Answer: Numbness of the lower lip is common after chin implant but usually resolves in a matter of days.
The sensibility to you chin should come back in time although 4 weeks starts to create some anxiety. If the nerve was cut (and it should not have been) repair will be necessary and it will take a long time to recover. I strongly doubt this is the case. Numbness from handling the nerve is common and may take a number of weeks but usually is just a few days. If the implant is putting pressure on the nerve, it will need to be repositioned if sensibility is to return.
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May 20, 2010
Answer: Numbness after chin implant
Numbness present weeks after a chin implant is due to the mental nerve being stretched or swollen. The good news is that the feeling typically comes back to normal over time.
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May 20, 2010
Answer: Numbness after chin implant
Numbness present weeks after a chin implant is due to the mental nerve being stretched or swollen. The good news is that the feeling typically comes back to normal over time.
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October 22, 2010
Answer: Numbness and Dimple After Chin Implant Can Occur
The problems that you describe can be temporary, especially if it has been only 4 weeks. Unfortunately they can be a longer term problem. I would certainly speak with your surgeon because removal or repositioning of the implant may be necessary to resolve your problems.
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October 22, 2010
Answer: Numbness and Dimple After Chin Implant Can Occur
The problems that you describe can be temporary, especially if it has been only 4 weeks. Unfortunately they can be a longer term problem. I would certainly speak with your surgeon because removal or repositioning of the implant may be necessary to resolve your problems.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful