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POSTED UNDER Ultherapy Reviews REVIEWS

55 Getting Married in 5 Months and Paralasis on Mouth - Santa Barbara, CA

Name: 55 Getting Married in 5 Months and Paralasis on Mouth - Santa Barbara, CA
Item: Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS
Rating: 4
Author: fireflyapple

ORIGINAL POST

I just wanted to have a lift on my neck ,my doctor...

fireflyappleMay 1, 2015

$4,500

I just wanted to have a lift on my neck ,my doctor suggested ultherapy , he said it worked better if my jaw up to my eyebrow was done as well. After hearing the stories of how much it hurt I decided to be anesthetized ,why pay for pain too. I woke ,groggily went home and my mouth felt funny,like I had novacane and it was numb. With the swelling I didn't think too much about it. The next day I realized my lower lip on the right side was not moving. It's been a week and the swelling is still more than usual. I spoke with my doctor today and he said the paralysis could last from 2 weeks to 6. I am trying not to let this bother me but it does. They say do not take anti inflammatories because it will affect the procedure, but if I take them the swelling may go down and my nerve may heal. Has anyone else had this issue?

fireflyapple's provider

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

fireflyapple rating for Dr. Lowenstein:

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Replies (3)

DoctorLowenstein

May 1, 2015

Thanks for the kind words about me, but as we have discussed, I’m very sorry you are having these experiences. Both swelling and temporary nerve injury are known to have happened with Ultherapy. Swelling is more common, though we have not seen nerve injury with other patients in the several years that we have been using this technology with excellent results. Elsewhere on RealSelf you can find many doctors discuss nerve problems and the fact that it always seems to get better. I specifically list these risks in discussions with patients before having the procedure so they are aware that these issues have been reported in other practices. While we never want to expect anything but smooth sailing after any procedure, we always discuss potential risks as well as expected benefits so patients are prepared just in case (even when they have never happened to us before). In my practice, Susanne, my nurse who does the procedure, is very experienced and has had advanced training by the Ulhtera company. She utilizes techniques to achieve the best outcomes- I anticipate that your outcome will benefit from her expertise just as so many other patients have. Please keep us posted on your progress!!! We will look forward to seeing you for your followup! Best wishes, Dr. L

user0991

May 2, 2015

This comment was removed at the request of the user.

MaeB

May 2, 2015

I had severe lip asymmetry following Ultherapy. It took close to four months to resolve. It's been a year since my procedure and things are much better. However, my lips (especially the right side) are slightly "off." (Hard to describe). Also, the right side of my lower lip has atrophied. My procedure was performed by a board certified PS. Personally, I think Ultherapy sould be banned. Good luck.

UPDATED FROM fireflyapple

12 days post

It was a Saturday when my doctor called

fireflyappleMay 6, 2015

To ask me how I was. He had done some research to try to help with my swelling and lower lip. He put me on methylprednisolone, I am on day 4 out of 6. It is now 12 days and the swelling on my jaw is down and I have cheeks again. The only visible swelling is still a little gobbler under my chin. My face is looking great except I do not have full use of my lower lip yet. It has relaxed without the swelling. He has said that there is a good chance that this might negate the treatment some. Since no one really knows I guess I can tell you when I know .

Replies (3)

user0991

May 6, 2015

This comment was removed at the request of the user.

fireflyapple

June 5, 2015

So it has been a little more than a month. My gobbler has gone away and is flat, I believe my neck looks better and my chest as well. I still have a slight burning feeling under my chin when it's touched and tenderness at my jaw by my ears. As for my lower lip that was paralyzed ,it is loosening up and moving very slightly. I try to work it as much as I can. It will come back , but when? It's a wait and see. I also had cool sculpt and I am starting to see a change. More of a waist,which being short waisted I have never really had. I hope it will continually get more results.