Paralysis of Lower Lip After Chin Implant, Is this Temporary?

Question

My chin implant was done 2 weeks ago. I know that's recent but I'm worried because the swelling seems to be mostly gone, yet the left side of my lower lip cannot move down at all. I have full sensation and can pucker fine (make a kissy face) but I can't pull the left side of my lower lip down at all. It's affecting my smile, which looks weird and lopsided now (lower lip covers most of my teeth on that side) and my talking. My lip just isn't moving correctly. Is this temporary? What should I do?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Having a true weakness of the lip muscle like you describe isn't commonly seen after chin implant placement, but it can occur. This is usually due to stretching or swelling of one of the branches of the facial nerve (marginal mandibular branch) that is responsible for pulling down the lower lip. This swelling should resolve with time, but this can take up to several months.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The  majority of the time this weakness resolves over several months. It is more common when the chin augmenation is performed through the mouth. If present after a year then it may mean it is permanent. Follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concern:

	I have seen lower lip weakness in several of my own Chin Implant patients and this has been self-limited, and temporary in my experience. It may last for 6 weeks or longer, and is typically a result of having your marginal mandibular nerve stretched during your surgery. The condition may last as long as 6 months: if you're not recovered by 6 months after your surgery, it may be permanent, but that scenario would be unusual. This may be associated with placing a larger-than-typical implant.

	I hope this helps you.

	Dr. Joseph

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Facial weakness after chin augmentation is almost always a temporary condition caused by stretching or slight injury to the nerve that moves those muscles of the face.  If this does not improve, there are treatments that can be performed, such as Botox injections to the other side.

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

More than likely your symptom of lower lip weakness is temporary and related to swelling or a "stunned" nerve.  The risk of injury to the facial nerve is quite low.   It may take several weeks for this to improve.

Paralysis of Lower Lip After Chin Implant, Is this Temporary?

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Answer: Facial weakness after chin implant

Answer: Facial weakness after chin implant

Answer: I cant lower my lip after a chin augmentation.

Answer: I cant lower my lip after a chin augmentation.

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Paralysis of Lower Lip After Chin Implant, Is this Temporary?

Answers (8)

Answer: Facial weakness after chin implant

Answer: Facial weakness after chin implant

Answer: I cant lower my lip after a chin augmentation.

Answer: I cant lower my lip after a chin augmentation.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.