I can't open one side of my mouth properly following fat pad removal. What may be the cause ? (I'm a 22 yo male)

Question

JULY 2nd I had a Rhinoplasty, Upper Lip Lift and Buccal Fat Pads Removal revision. Now JULY 9, nose and upper lip are fine but my cheeks have a problem : My left cheek healed fine but my right cheek still has a swollen appearance and it hurts if i try to open my mouth wider than 1cm; it feels extremely stiff to the touch at the place the incision was made, almost has a "muscle" texture more than a skin or fat texture. I'm very concerned since I can't smile or eat properly. Please help guys !!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon that patients have difficulty open the mouth in one side or both after buccal fat removal. This is secondary to irritation of the masseter muscle, a chewing muscle that is close to the area where the incision for the buccal fat removal surgery is performed . This difficulty to open the mouth could lasts from few days to one or 2 weeks. In my practice I recommend my patients to do mouth exercises and take anti-inflammatory pain medication.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You are still very early on in your healing process.  Swelling may cause different feelings in different areas.  Share your concern with your surgeon.

I can't open one side of my mouth properly following fat pad removal. What may be the cause ? (I'm a 22 yo male)

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