Will has my normal smile returned after neck and face lift? I am post 9 weeks.

Question

My bottom lip covers my teeth when I smile and my expressions are not the same. I am still numb and tingly and otherwise well. I just want my large smile to come back. I am 9weeks out and my facial expressions are not the same. Also had cheeks lifted with sutures that will dissolve. My doc does not seem concerned.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

Your smile should not change with a facelift. You should check with your surgeon to make sure that there is no nerve damage to the muscles that allow you to smile.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Although the muscles of the face function normally there manifestations on facial expression are buffered by swelling. They may not appear to be completely normal until the swelling is totally resolved.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

There is a nerve down by the chin which innervates the muscles which pull down the lower lip.  During a facelift, the nerve may experience some trauma, and will not work correctly for a while.  When this occurs, you won't be able to pull down the corners of your mouth and the lip will stay up over the teeth when you smile.  This occurs most commonly after liposuction of the jowls - don't know if you had that done.  The nerve should slowly recover and your smile should return to normal, but this can take up to 6 months.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Swelling and bruising are normal after face lift surgery. Follow up with your surgeon to express your concerns. Good Luck!

John Frodel, MD · Answer

You are just over 2 months after surgery.  I inform my patients to expect issues such as numbness and other possible abnormalities (e.g. the stiffness) for 3-6 months after surgery.  Be patient and I would expect it all to get better.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Follow up with your surgeon as soon as possible for an exam to verify that you do not have nerve damage.  If so, you may take a little longer to heal than you would have otherwise.  You are still early in the healing process, and every patient heals at a different rate.  Be patient, but follow up with your surgeon.

Will has my normal smile returned after neck and face lift? I am post 9 weeks.

Answers (6)

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