How long will chin and lip numbness last after chin implant surgery?

Question

I'm 4 weeks post-op and still have numbness in my lower lip and chin. My doctor went in under the chin (not through the mouth) and put in the largest impant size. I have tingling sensations in my lip and chin, but no real feeling yet. Will this ever get better?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.   If no resolution, the implant may need to be adjusted.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!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This can take several months to resolve. Permanent numbness is possible but uncommon in the hands of an experienced chin implant surgeon. Usually, the tingling that you feel represents recovery of the nerve from being stretched. This should improve over time but if it does not, contact your surgeon. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The numbness may be the result of the pocket dissection or an impingement of the wings of the chin implant on the mental nerve. As long as you are not having pain on the numb side, I would wait a few more months to see how much improvement has occurred. If no significant improvement occurs, the implant wings may need to be adjusted/reduced in size.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

You should let your  sugeon know about this. If after 60 days there is no improvement, removal of the implant might be considered. Your sugeon would be the best person to judge. Good luck,

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Numbness of the lip after chin implant can last for 12 weeks.Your doctor will be able to answer better since he/she did the surgery, and knows how far the implant was from the mental nerve.If this numbness last beyond 12 weeks then a full re-evaluation is neededSamir Shureih MD. FACSsshureih@msn.com

How long will chin and lip numbness last after chin implant surgery?

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How long will chin and lip numbness last after chin implant surgery?

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