Persistent Lip and Chin Numbness After Jaw Surgery: When to Seek Help?

Numbness of the lower lip and chin after orthognathic surgery?

It has been one year and three months since my orthognathic surgery, and I am experiencing numbness in the left side of my lower jaw, including my chin, lip, and gums.
The teeth in that area also feel numb when biting.
Previously, brushing my gums there was painful, but that pain has now resolved.
I have been taking B12 to help repair the nerves, but it seems that after this long, there hasn't been any further improvement.
Should I still consider seeing a neurologist for this condition, or is it likely that I will have to accept this numbness for the rest of my life? Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/05

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology

Hello, based on your symptoms, I believe that the chances of maintaining the current condition are relatively high.
However, since you are still young, it may be worth waiting to see if the nerves can repair themselves.
I recommend continuing with B12 supplementation, and you may also consider consulting a neurologist.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2023/06/05

More Info

Persistent numbness in the lip and chin area after jaw surgery, particularly after orthognathic surgery, can be a concerning issue for many patients. It is not uncommon for patients to experience numbness or altered sensation in the areas innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve or mental nerve following surgical procedures involving the jaw. This numbness can result from nerve trauma during surgery, swelling, or even the healing process itself.

In your case, it has been over a year since the surgery, and you are still experiencing numbness in the left side of your chin, lip, and gums. The fact that you have been taking vitamin B12 to aid in nerve repair is a positive step, as B12 is known to play a crucial role in nerve health and regeneration. However, if you have not noticed any significant improvement in your symptoms over this extended period, it may be time to seek further medical advice.

Here are some considerations regarding your situation:
1. Nerve Recovery Timeline: Nerve regeneration can be a slow process. While some patients may experience improvement within a few months, others may take much longer. Generally, if there is no improvement within 12 months, the chances of full recovery decrease significantly. However, this does not mean that further evaluation is not warranted.

2. Consulting a Specialist: Given that your symptoms have persisted for over a year, it would be advisable to consult a neurologist or a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, imaging studies, or nerve conduction studies to assess the status of the affected nerves. This evaluation can help determine if there is any underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

3. Potential Treatments: Depending on the findings from your consultation, there may be treatment options available. These could include physical therapy focused on sensory re-education, medications to manage nerve pain, or even surgical options if there is a clear cause for the persistent numbness. In some cases, nerve repair or grafting may be considered if there is evidence of significant nerve damage.

4. Psychological Impact: It is also important to consider the psychological impact of living with chronic numbness. If the numbness is affecting your quality of life, discussing this with a mental health professional may also be beneficial. They can provide coping strategies and support as you navigate this challenging situation.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: In the meantime, you may want to explore lifestyle adjustments that can help manage your symptoms. This could include avoiding activities that exacerbate the numbness or using protective measures to prevent injury to the affected area.

In conclusion, while it is possible that you may need to accept some level of numbness as a long-term outcome of your surgery, it is essential to seek a professional evaluation to explore all available options. Early intervention can sometimes lead to better outcomes, and a specialist can provide you with a tailored approach based on your specific situation. Don't hesitate to reach out for help; your health and well-being are paramount.

Similar Q&A

Managing Numbness and Misalignment After Jaw Surgery: A Recovery Guide

At the end of 2018, I was involved in a car accident and was treated for an open comminuted fracture with displacement of the left mandible, accompanied by malocclusion. I underwent facial internal fixation surgery. After the surgery, I experienced tingling and numbness in the le...

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
1. The recovery period after nerve damage can range from 2 months to 1-2 years. 2. It is possible that complete recovery may not be achieved. 3. The more severe the injury, the higher the likelihood of nerve discontinuity. 4. You can consult your original plastic surgeon or...

Understanding Numbness After Left Zygomatic Fracture Surgery

Recently, I suffered a fracture of the left zygomatic bone, and after surgery, I noticed that my left lip and cheek are experiencing numbness. Is this related to the surgery, or could it be an issue with the wire fixation of the upper and lower jaws?

Dr. Lü Mingchuan reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: It is recommended to undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan. You may inquire with the surgeon about the status of surgical treatment. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you.

Post-Surgery Facial Recovery: Addressing Concerns After Jaw Surgery

Hello, doctor... It has been over two years since my orthognathic surgery to advance my mandible, but the left side of my face is still experiencing muscle stiffness. When I smile, my face is uneven, and the left side of my mouth feels tight and cannot close on its own. During my...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your description does not rule out issues related to peripheral facial nerve problems. Aside from corticosteroids, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of other treatment methods. After the acute phase, there are almost no medications that are defini...

Understanding Recovery After Jaw Surgery: What to Expect

My colleague underwent a mandibular angle resection and chin augmentation surgery. It has been four days post-operation. The facial swelling has decreased somewhat, but it seems that talking too much may have caused some issues. Yesterday, the lower lip suddenly swelled to the po...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
Swelling and numbness can occur for 3 to 4 weeks post-surgery. Ice packs should be applied to the facial wounds for a longer duration, approximately one week, before switching to heat therapy.