Nerve damage after endo browlift. 12 days post-op.

Question

I did my research, went with an experienced surgeon and was aware of the risks. I have sadly noticed no improvement in brow movement since the surgery. I have min movement in one/nothing in the other - the temple area is also numb. My swelling was not severe. I understand this is nerve damage. I'm not panicking (yet) and can be patient but would like some honest opinions on when I should start to worry about seeing no movement at all? Thank you.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and your research for an experienced surgeon.  Patients that have facial/brow surgery can experience numbness and minimal movement in some areas of the face.  I can appreciate your concern but there is hope, as I have seen patients that have had 100% recovery but it may take as long as 6 months. Good luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello nocturnasolitudeNumbness is not uncommon, i would advice you visit or consult your plastic surgeon about this concern.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

As it's only been 12 days since your operation, I would say it's too early to start panicking. It could be due to temporary nerve injury (neuropraxia) which typically resolves within 6-8 weeks. It's important to follow up with your surgeon in regular intervals to keep an eye on this. In the meantime, I would recommend elevating your forehead muscles to keep those muscles active.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please post photos. I suggest that you call the office of your board certified facial plastic surgeon to learn more about your recovery guidelines and expectations.
Best wishes,

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The nerve that innervates the forehead muscles runs above the tail of the eyebrow.  This nerve will sometimes not return to full function from several days to several months.  It might have been severed, but more often was just stretched during the dissection, or cautery may have been done close to the nerve.  In some patients the nerve comes back quickly, and in others can be very slow. It would be very unusual for it not to return.   At 12 days you are still very early in the post-op period, so will need to be patient.

J. Marshall Green, III, DDS · Answer

Hello, 
   Thank you for your question. I rarely see nerve injuries in my practice, that being said I have yet to see once if the few I have seen not recover fully. This recovery can take 3-6 months. So all that being said just try and be patient. I also so nerve repair surgery and there’s is some literature to suggest vit b complex can help in nerve repair and regeneration! I do hope that helps and that you’re doing better soon!
Dr G

Talon Maningas, DO · Answer

You are very early on in your recover. It is not uncommon to stretch the nerves that control the muscles of the forehead which temporarily causes a lag in function. This can easily last multiple weeks to months. Make sure to follow up with your surgeon and follow their instruction.  Good luck

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

Numbness of the forehead and scalp is very common after an endoscopic brow lift.  Numbness is typically temporary due to neuropraxia (stretching of the nerves) rather than permanent due to division of the sensory nerves.  Therefore, sensation usually returns over time as the "stunned" nerves regain their normal functioning.  This can take months or even a year to fully return to normal.  Hang in there.  You are only 12 days out from surgery.  There is still a lot of swelling and recovering to be done before your outcome is final.  I would recommend close follow up with the surgeon who performed the procedure.  Good communication between surgeon and patient is very important to help alleviate these concerns.
Best,
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual for the nerves to be temporarily injured and slow to return after surgery.  The nerves to the muscles and the nerves for skin sensation are separate and in different locations.  Especially after an endoscopic procedure, the nerves are likely just bruised, rather than divided.  You should expect at least 6-12 weeks, sometimes longer, for their recovery.  Plus, they may all recover at different times!  Your best course is to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  He is the best person to evaluate you and give you specific advice.

Nerve damage after endo browlift. 12 days post-op.

Answers (9)

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