Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty. Unable to smile correctly. (Photo)

Question

I am 6 days post op from surgery that included chin liposuction , buccal fat removal,chin intraoral chin implant and a closed rhinoplasty. My chin feels odd and I'm unable to open my mouth more than about 1/2 inch wide. Also I'm unable to smile normal. I don't have full control over my upper or lower lips and top left lip minimal movement. it has also made my mouth look awkward when I speak. Should I be concerned of nerve damage? Please help. I'm only 27 and I'm very concerned.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

thanks for your question in your photos. It is hard to say without better photos to assess your entire cheek to chin region. But the most important thing is that you are only six days after surgery the amount of swelling that happens after all those operations can be profound which if there is too much swelling they can compress a nerve. Thus it will not to function properly. Usually You cannot assess properly for nerve damage all the way up until anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after operation unless you get nerve studies. I would be patient and discuss your concerns with your Facial plastic surgeon or board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.Good luckAll the best,Carlos Mata M.D.,MBA, FACSBoard-certified plastic surgeon

Frank Scaccia, MD, FACS · Answer

You had a lot of surgery and all of those surgeries cause swelling around your mouth and makes talking and smiling difficult for awhile.  If you had nerve damage one side of your mouth would look different then the other and I don't see that. Followup with your surgeon for his advice .

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

If you have any movement of the lip then you will not have any long term issues. It will gradually improve as the swelling goes down and any irritation of the nerves has resolved. That said, the nerves to the upper lip vary from patient to patient and can be quite small and susceptible to inadvertent injury. The facial nerve in the area of the buccal fat pad can have a network of nerves rather than just one branch which provides some duplication of effort and likely help you recover more quickly. The chin stuff is likely just swelling as well as the trismus.

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  Having incisions on the inside of your mouth requires dissection through some of the muscles that move your mouth/lip.  It would be unusual to damage nerves that affect how you move your face in these procedures.  Your situation is actually pretty common and it will take a little while (few weeks maybe a few months) for you to return back to normal.  Healing can take a while unfortunately.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Bren2018, I would see your surgeon for a follow up appointment and examination for a proper diagnosis. Generally speaking at six days post surgery you will still have some numbness and swelling related to your chin augmentation that can cause similar effects. I personally do not use an intra oral approach with chin augmentation.  for these reasons. I would not be overly concerned at this time however I would see your surgeon for an examination. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty. Unable to smile correctly. (Photo)

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Answer: Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty.

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Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty. Unable to smile correctly. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Unable to smile correctly

Answer: Unable to smile correctly

Answer: Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty.

Answer: Nerve issue after chin lipo, buccal fat removal, chin implant and rhinoplasty.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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