Had SMAS facelift over a year ago. Both sides of my face (masseter??) up to the temporal area still feel like "after going to the dentist", i.e., quite numb. A rather large right side area is still swollen and numbness is more pronounced. Doctor avoids giving me a direct answer. Is this a permanent condition?? Is there any way to make it feel and look normal again??
March 2, 2014
Answer: Numbness after SMAS facelift Thanks for sharing your question.Numbness after surgery is normal with return to normal sensation at variable time intervals. Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, you may not see much improvement at this point. However in some cases it takes 18 months for sensation to return.Mild decrease in sensation is common early after surgery, but this usually improves. When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater. Massage and other non-surgical measures may help.With respect to swelling on one side vs. the other it could be due to a number of factors. I recommend follow up in person with your plastic surgeon to discuss these concerns.
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March 2, 2014
Answer: Numbness after SMAS facelift Thanks for sharing your question.Numbness after surgery is normal with return to normal sensation at variable time intervals. Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, you may not see much improvement at this point. However in some cases it takes 18 months for sensation to return.Mild decrease in sensation is common early after surgery, but this usually improves. When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater. Massage and other non-surgical measures may help.With respect to swelling on one side vs. the other it could be due to a number of factors. I recommend follow up in person with your plastic surgeon to discuss these concerns.
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February 10, 2014
Answer: Wish I had better news... Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, I don't know if you'll see much improvement at this point. Some decreased sensation is common shortly after surgery, but this usually improves gradually over time. When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater. There's no surgical correction, but massage and other non-surgical measures may help. Not sure why your right side is still swollen- could it be trapped fluid, such as a chronic seroma or saliva collection? Draining this would help your asymmetry and perhaps improve sensation.
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February 10, 2014
Answer: Wish I had better news... Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, I don't know if you'll see much improvement at this point. Some decreased sensation is common shortly after surgery, but this usually improves gradually over time. When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater. There's no surgical correction, but massage and other non-surgical measures may help. Not sure why your right side is still swollen- could it be trapped fluid, such as a chronic seroma or saliva collection? Draining this would help your asymmetry and perhaps improve sensation.
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