I had FaceTite done about 8 weeks ago. I am still numb and have facial nerve bruising. Is this normal?

Question

Is there permanent damage, where the improvement continues for a while, then stops. I can't drink liquids without them dripping out of my mouth, and it is very difficult to eat and not look like a slob. The side of my face is still numb as well. Is there a fix? Is there any type of surgeon that I can see to get this fixed?

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Facial numbness and weakness are not common from this procedure.  The numbness should resolve  over weeks.  If you have facial nerve weakness to your lower lip see your surgeon for a full assessment.  Hopefully your symptoms are temporary and will settle soon.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

The numbness to the skin is completely normal. I always explain that it is caused by the heat temporarily disrupting the nerves that supply sensation to the skin. This always comes back. Although rare, a neuropraxia can occur after FaceTite. This too is self-limiting but can take slightly longer to resolve depending on the amount of heat that was applied to the nerve. Make sure that you followup with your physician that performed the procedure. Hope this helps.

Jonathan Zelken, MD · Answer

Dear Den,
I'm certain it must be uncomfortable, if not scary, to experience facial nerve weakness after the FaceTite procedure. This will occur, to some extent, in about a third of patients. If jowls are being addressed, that number can bump up to 50%. The good news is it is temporary.
The FaceTite procedure is knifeless.  The probes used are blunt-tipped, meaning it is highly unlikely to actually divide branches of the facial nerve. Bruises are much more common. The most common nerve branch injured is right where the jowls are, and when it is bruised, the lower lip is uneven with a smile. 
When I started with FaceTite, this happened to my OWN practice manager, the FACE of the procedure. Although it was scary for both of us at first (her eye didn't blink as fast, and she couldn't elevate her lip as much on one side), the symptoms completely resolved by 6 weeks.
Fortunately, her result was so good it is now being used by InMode. Also, it helps to hear from other patients that this happens from time to time, and almost always resolves on it's own. Keep close followup with your plastic surgeon, and be well.
Warmly,

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

The nerve issues are directly related to the inflammation and swelling around the nerve.  These treatments heat the tissues.  Once the residual swelling and inflammation resolve this should improved.  I use arnica and ant-inflammatories after BodyTite and Facetite procedures to reduce swelling and inflammation.

I had FaceTite done about 8 weeks ago. I am still numb and have facial nerve bruising. Is this normal?

Answers (4)

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