How common is lip palsy after a lower mid facelift?

Question

I have read a few reviews recently in which the patient has suffered from lip palsy from a lower face lift. How common is this? Is it possible it can be permanent?

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Lip palsy or permanent dysfunction of other facial nerve branches is very rare. Rate of injury to facial nerve branches is close to zero in experience hands. It's something that your surgeon should discuss with you.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not common to have a lip palsy after a lower face lift, but if it did develop, it could be permanent.  I would say a lip palsy after a lower face lift would be very unusual in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Facial Nerve injury is absolutely a risk of any face lifting procedure and your selected surgeon should be sure to mention this to you during your consultation. Although the risk is low, especially when your surgeon is well-trained and has complete familiarity with the anatomy, it is not something to be ignored during the planning of any procedure. My best advice would be to meet with someone that has double board certifications in facial plastic surgery to discuss all goals, desired outcomes, and techniques used during the procedures being explained. I hope this is helpful to you!Be well,Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

Anthony Youn, MD · Answer

Although an injury to the facial nerve during a facelift is possible, it is an extremely uncommon complication. If it occurs, the vast majority of cases are reversible. Best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon to get an idea of his/her experience. Some techniques may put the nerve at higher risk than others.

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

Hello sandy7217,
Lip palsy after a facelift is fortunately very uncommon, assuming the procedure is performed correctly by a surgeon that understands the complex anatomy of the facial nerve. 
Nerve palsy can definitely be permanent, theoretically due to a nerve being cut in half. More often, the nerve is just stretched or bruised, producing a temporary decrease in function. 
Bottom line, uncommon, but potentially permanent. Feel free to ask your doctor what their experience with the procedure is.
Hope this helps and good luck!
dr. silver

How common is lip palsy after a lower mid facelift?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nerve injury with facelift

Answer: Nerve injury with facelift

Answer: Not common at all

Answer: Not common at all

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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

How common is lip palsy after a lower mid facelift?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nerve injury with facelift

Answer: Nerve injury with facelift

Answer: Not common at all

Answer: Not common at all

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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