6 wks post-op chin augmentation, no feeling in right side chin/lip, full range of movement not returned. Any suggestion? (photo)

Question

I am six weeks post op on a chin augmentation. Feeling has returned on the left side of my lower lip and chin, but I have no feeling on the right and I can't move my lip like I should. I met with my surgeon and he said that the feeling and normal movement would return. I also experience pain on the right side of the implant, especially when I smile too big or sleep on that side of my face. It feels like an irritated nerve but the surgeon said its not. I'm concerned neither problem is resolving.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I would be concerned about any loss of sensation after a chin implant. I would discuss with your surgeon the possibility of permanent scar formation around the nerve. In my experience the implant is usually out of position or touching the nerve and needs to be repositioned. It would not be out of the standard of care to wait 6mo before resurgery, but in my experience this type of problem is better addressed earlier than later.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

I am little concerned that after 6 weeks no sensation has returned. I believe you should remove the implant soon to give the nerve a chance to recover.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I have performed many Chin Augmentations with Chin Implants and these are very common symptoms following Chin Implant surgery.  These typically resolve over 3-4 months post-op.  I would not be overly concerned, nor run to get CT or other expensive Xray tests at this time.  Give yourself a couple more months to properly heal.  Hope this helps.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Sarasweet, Six weeks post chin augmentation with numbness and possible nerve irritation would be a concern that the implant is malpositioned and sitting on a nerve. If your surgeon is confident this is not a problem then perhaps he/she would be comfortable ordering a 3D cat-scan which would show the implant position. Malposition of an implant or to large of an implant is the typical cause of this problem.  Personally, I would remove the implant and allow the nerve to heal and consider re-implantation at a later date if so desired. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

6 wks post-op chin augmentation, no feeling in right side chin/lip, full range of movement not returned. Any suggestion? (photo)

Answers (4)

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