I am four weeks post op an open Brow lift and upper eyelid surgery. The swelling has gone down a lot, but my forehead is still numb, especially on the right side. When will this completely go down and get the feeling back? Also, I still feel some pressure on the part that is numb--almost like someone is pushing on my forehead.
Answer: Numbness after browlift Transient numbness after open or endoscopic brow lift is very common. Often times, the nerve which provides sensation to the forehead doesn't function properly secondary to swelling and bruising of the nerve. This is referred to as a neuropraxic nerve injury. Normal recovery of sensation is expected, but it can take several months to 2 years. The nerve in question (supraorbital nerve) will slowly regenerate fibers at a maximal rate of 1 mm/day (an inch/month). You may experience paresthesias (electrical jolts or a marching sensation) as nerve recovery happens. The pressure you describe is also quite normal. Best of luck.
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Answer: Numbness after browlift Transient numbness after open or endoscopic brow lift is very common. Often times, the nerve which provides sensation to the forehead doesn't function properly secondary to swelling and bruising of the nerve. This is referred to as a neuropraxic nerve injury. Normal recovery of sensation is expected, but it can take several months to 2 years. The nerve in question (supraorbital nerve) will slowly regenerate fibers at a maximal rate of 1 mm/day (an inch/month). You may experience paresthesias (electrical jolts or a marching sensation) as nerve recovery happens. The pressure you describe is also quite normal. Best of luck.
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Answer: Numbness temporary Numbness and some sensory changes are often temporary and can last up to 6 months or so. It is rare for it to be permanent.
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Answer: Numbness temporary Numbness and some sensory changes are often temporary and can last up to 6 months or so. It is rare for it to be permanent.
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August 4, 2014
Answer: Numbness on forehead after browlift? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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August 4, 2014
Answer: Numbness on forehead after browlift? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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June 15, 2009
Answer: Nerve recovery is likely. Return of forehead sensation after brow lift can improve over a two year period subsequent to the surgical procedure. There are many different techniques utilized and it is difficult to assess the potential for nerve injury from your description. We are generally more concerned with the motor nerve as this is more vulnerable to permanent injury. It will likely come back with time. In the meantime protect it from injury or sun burn. Generally as time proceeds you will appreciated a "marching" return of sensation. Nerves return and grow an average of 1 inch per month.
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June 15, 2009
Answer: Nerve recovery is likely. Return of forehead sensation after brow lift can improve over a two year period subsequent to the surgical procedure. There are many different techniques utilized and it is difficult to assess the potential for nerve injury from your description. We are generally more concerned with the motor nerve as this is more vulnerable to permanent injury. It will likely come back with time. In the meantime protect it from injury or sun burn. Generally as time proceeds you will appreciated a "marching" return of sensation. Nerves return and grow an average of 1 inch per month.
Helpful
January 4, 2011
Answer: Brow lift - numbness
Patients can occasionally feel some numbness after surgery. However, this usually resolves in several months. I would definitely talk to your surgeon about this if you have any concerns.
Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.
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January 4, 2011
Answer: Brow lift - numbness
Patients can occasionally feel some numbness after surgery. However, this usually resolves in several months. I would definitely talk to your surgeon about this if you have any concerns.
Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.
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