Why doesn't my right upper lip not move up after revision facelift? (Photos)

Question

I had a revision facelift, and today is 13 day post-op. Not like most other people who has bottom lips drooping cooked smile, my bottom lips is fine, but my upper lips doesn't move up when i smile or wben i say "Eeee" while brushing teeth. I have troubling pronouncing words with B, P and O. I have troubling eating with spoon. Can't whistle. It needs great effort to drink fluid with straw etc. I am scared to death. Please help!

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi 
I am sorry to hear about your current situation. As far as I can tell from the pictures, it looks like you had a nerve demaged during surgery. Usually, this heals by itself within a couple of weeks but I would highly recommend you to consult with your surgeon about this and to follow his postoperative instructions. 
All the best
Dr Marco Carmona MD

Eric W. Cerrati, MD · Answer

It is difficult to give you an accurate assessment based on the limited photographs.  With that being said, I believe that you might be suffering from injury to one of the facial nerve branches.  The facial nerve is the motor nerve that provides movement to the muscles of the face.  I recommend that you follow-up closely with your plastic surgeon.  He or she can guide you through this process as the nerve recovers.
Best of luck.

Ben Brown, MD (license emergency restriction) · Answer

Hello juneekim,
I'm sorry to hear about your experience after surgery. Based on your photos and symptoms you likely have a palsy of the buccal branch of your facial nerve, which supplies motor innervation to the muscles that elevate your upper lip. There is significant redundancy of these branches and recovery typically occurs after a few weeks without any additional procedures. For the time being, you should follow up with your plastic surgeon. He or she may be able to refer you to a speech therapist to help with temporary speech and swallow retraining as your nerve recovers.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Juneekim, From everything you are stating it sounds that you have some nerve damage after your facelift. See your surgeon for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Why doesn't my right upper lip not move up after revision facelift? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nerve Damage Post Facelift

Answer: Nerve Damage Post Facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift Revision

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

Why doesn't my right upper lip not move up after revision facelift? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nerve Damage Post Facelift

Answer: Nerve Damage Post Facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift Revision

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