What can be done for lip swelling & numbness that won't go away after chin implant replacement? (Photos)

Question

This is driving me insane. I had a chin implant replaced back in August because it was too big (terino square 1 small). I was left with lower lip numbness and tightening that is driving me insane and lip looks bad, went to see the surgeon he said that it should go away with time and he let go that he filed my chin slightly (without my consent). Now my prominent side (right) is way smaller. I'm considering suing but I'm worried that he messed something up and I'm left with permanent nerve damage or something. Suggestions ?

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

It looks like the implant was placed through an intraoral incision.  Do you know if any screws were placed to keep it in the correct position? I would recommend a CT to determine the position of the implant. The intraoral webbing can be improved with a laser or radiofrequency device. You might want to consider removing the implant and performing a sliding genioplasty to correct alignment.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Chin implants can end up getting close to the mental nerve and that nerve can be damaged during the procedure. Depending on the circumstances sensation often improves with time.
It depends on if there is excessive tension on the nerve, the nerve was transected, or if there is pressure on the nerve from the implant.
I suggest getting an in person second opinion consultation. Make sure you select providers who have extensive history with this procedure.
Do that by asking each provider to open up their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patients, who had similar body body or facial characteristics to your own, having the same procedure.
I generally encourage patients to ask providers to show them the before, and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients, which seems reasonable for anyone who has extensive experience with the procedure.
If your provider was a plastic surgeon, then consider consulting with an oral surgeon. They also do and are well aware of the same procedure.
Or surgeons are often more likely to do sliding genioplasty rather than implant, but both specialties can do both procedures.
Best,
Matt Hagstrom, MD.

What can be done for lip swelling & numbness that won't go away after chin implant replacement? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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What can be done for lip swelling & numbness that won't go away after chin implant replacement? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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