Much Numbness and Lips Dont Work Right!

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.  Neuropraxia after facial procedures is not uncommon and may take several weeks to months to resolve as well.  It is always a scary finding when your facial muscles aren't working, but almost routinely always return.  Follow-up closely with your surgeon for this, however.  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!

You don't mention how far after surgery you are but midface surgery does have a high incidence of swelling and a higher (than face lifts) incidence of nerve weakness. Most likely your symptoms will improve over a few months

The mid face lift is performed along the bony location where the nerves to the lips exit the skull and facial bones. The surgical intervention can result in interruption of nerve activity as well as profound and prolonged swelling producing the symptoms you describe.  

Ideally it would be best to know how long ago you had your surgery. Post-operative swelling and numbness are common issues with a midface lift. If there is swelling then motion can be impaired. Surgical stretching of the nerves can also cause numbness and, rarely, impaired motion during a midface lift. You should review your concerns with your physician as I am certain he/she would appreciate and be able to specifically answer your question as it relates to you. Be healthy and be well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Any procedure that involves the mid face works around an important sensory nerve called the infra-orbital nerve. This is a very hearty nerve and quite hard to injure. That being said - the manipulation of these areas often do cause temporary numbness. If you can feel anything at all on your cheeks and lips then you will be fine. It is more worrying if you have complete numbness (e.g. where you could stick a pin in your lip and not feel it) that would be more concerning for the nerve being truly injured. In either case be sure to check with your surgeon for a complete exam.