Hey Brandon,
My question is around numbness in the lip and chin. I've read your experience and understand that it took about a year for the numbness to completely go away. My lower jaw surgery is scheduled for December 18th and during a meeting with my surgeon yesterday he tells me that I have to expect permanent numbness in my lower lip and chin area. This has got me really thinking about backing out. I have visions of having food dribbling all over the place for the rest of my life.... Is it that bad? I understand you maintain control over the areas and that you just cant feel them. Did it impact your ability to speak? Were you covered in food and drink? Could you accept that feeling for the rest of your life? Because of my age (37) he tells me the loss of feeling is certain and it will be permanent.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Great site btw!
Jaw Surgery Forums » Post-Surgery and Recovery Questions
Guaranteed permanent numbness..
(12 posts)-
wisper
MemberPosted 2 years ago # -
Brandon
Site AdministratorHey Wisper,
It would depend on just how large the area was. Immediately after surgery, when my entire lips were completely numb, I don't think I would have traded that and been satisfied forever, because it was difficult to chew and drink, but speaking wasn't a problem.
It wasn't impossible to eat cleanly, and I probably could have gotten used to it if it was too late, but it definitely wasn't ideal. I would hope that you wouldn't have that much numbness though.
If it was just your chin, then yes, I would have traded that for the rest of the benefits, because then I could at least eat and drink normally with my lips. It still felt a little weird, but not nearly as debilitating.
I hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I'm Brandon, the creator of JawSurgeryBlog.com. I personally had upper and lower jaw surgery on October 30, 2007. Thankfully, everything went beautifully, so I'm trying to make sure everyone else's surgery goes smoothly as well!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrective-Jaw-Surgery/114627165257701Posted 2 years ago # -
wisper
MemberThought I should finally update my original post.
I did decide to go ahead with the surgery but with a different doctor. I lost all confidence in the original doctor after he changed his story so drastically 2 weeks prior to the surgery date. My dentist convinced me to get a second opinion and I am so glad I did.
My new surgeon told me to expect 6 months to a year of numbness with about a 3-4% chance of long term nerve damage. Well I am happy to say that I could feel everything when I came out of the aesthetic and still can 9 weeks later. Apparently my facial nerve was the size of a piece of spaghetti so it was easy to identify and avoid. Plus I think my surgeon may be a wizard. My lower jaw was moved forward about 7-8mm and the front of the jaw was split and the back of the jaw was brought in slightly to line up the bite and get me out of the braces sooner. I was on mushy food on day three and the swelling was mostly gone after the first week. Pain was almost non-existent and I only needed the Tylenol 3's some nights as I clench in my sleep.
I had a slight infection on the one side but another week of antibiotics cleared that up. With some luck I will be out of the braces in another 6 weeks.The last few days I have noticed a hard lump on my lower jaw right where the cut was made and it has me concerned. It seems to have gotten smaller over the weekend. There is some discomfort when I press on it. Have you guys heard of this / experienced this and is it something I should get the doctor to check out?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Nili
MemberHi,
I had a couples of lumps too, just where the muscle was cut. The physiotherapist told me that it was normal to have them, she massaged the zone and the lumps dissapeared. It was quite painful. What she said is that they are annoying, but it is normal to expect them after surgery. Due to my underbite, the muscles of my lower jaw were very strong, so when the surgeon cut through them, the tissue was damaged. With specialist help, they can make them go away in a couple of sessions, without it, it may take some months, but it is not something you need to worry about.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Brandon
Site AdministratorThat's awesome, Wisper, congrats on such a successful surgery!
I've read about similar lumps on here being just what Nili described and not much to worry about, but it's always a good idea to at least mention it to the doctor to rule out any other infections or anything.
Posted 1 year ago # -
wisper
MemberThanks for the info guys,
I called my Doctors office this morning and they are putting me back on the antibiotics as a precaution and I meet with him tomorrow. It is pretty much the same spot that infected after the surgery so they are a little concerned.
Posted 1 year ago # -
skaaz1
Memberhi i am 18 yrs old nd I just got lower jaw surgery... i have a question about the numbness.... how long will it last?? the inside of my mouth numbness is going away, bt my lips and chin are still numb... plz reply..
Posted 1 year ago # -
doggydog
Memberskaaz1, read here: http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/dentistry/faultyjaw/index.html
quoted from above link:
...this should resolve in about 3 months. Sometimes neurosensory changes take up to 18 months in an adult to resolve. Occasionally, minor neurosensory changes of the lower lip and chin can be permanent. Permanent numbness following an upper jaw (maxilla) procedure is less common.
Posted 12 months ago # -
Alco5
MemberI got my lower surgery a year and a half agO and my chin is still numb on one side....
Posted 10 months ago # -
THESTIG1980
Memberhey guys i am 30 and i have been for my 1st visit to see my surgeon he tells me because of my age i fall into the high % chance of permanent numbness in my lower lip after lower jaw surgery. is this true?
Posted 5 months ago #
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