Surgery was 7/19/13. Face lift, chin implant and rhinoplasty. I'm 58. Excellent health. Recovery has been flawless except for the numbness on one side (left). At first, I could not smile and speech was imparied. That is much better (about 90%). At one month check-up, my surgeon said that he would be worried if motor function had not improved but since it is improving, he is not worried. I'm just a little nervous because right side is completely healed and left side is still tingling and numb. Thanks
Answer: Numbness of lip and chin (lower left) after chin implant surgery. How long should I expect numbness? 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. Followup closely with your surgeon - you may require adjustment of the implant. 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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Answer: Numbness of lip and chin (lower left) after chin implant surgery. How long should I expect numbness? 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. Followup closely with your surgeon - you may require adjustment of the implant. 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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November 19, 2014
Answer: Numbness following chin implant
Is is not abnormal to still have some numbness at this stage after your surgery. I would recommend continuing to follow up with your surgeon, as they know the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.
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November 19, 2014
Answer: Numbness following chin implant
Is is not abnormal to still have some numbness at this stage after your surgery. I would recommend continuing to follow up with your surgeon, as they know the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.
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September 12, 2013
Answer: Numbness after chin implant
Chin implant placement may sometimes cause numbness of the lower lip and chin from traction (stretch) on the sensory nerve serving this area. Tingling sensations are common as the nerve recovers so it sounds like this will resolve completely. I have seen it take 3 months to fully improve and you should continue to follow up with your surgeon to monitor this.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 12, 2013
Answer: Numbness after chin implant
Chin implant placement may sometimes cause numbness of the lower lip and chin from traction (stretch) on the sensory nerve serving this area. Tingling sensations are common as the nerve recovers so it sounds like this will resolve completely. I have seen it take 3 months to fully improve and you should continue to follow up with your surgeon to monitor this.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful