Should I Get The Mentalis Muscle Reattached?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I recently got double surgery 11 days ago. However, I believe there was an operative mistake in my genioplasty with the reattchment of the mentalis muscle. I know how pronounced lower lip incompetence and chin ptosis and it is causing me severe depression. I was wondering if you had the expertise to correct this condition? I ask this early because perhaps an early intervention before the muscle heals could yield better results”

A: You have to appreciate that any interpretation that you’re making of the results at this early time is presumptuous in the face of the tremendous swelling after this kind of surgery. It will take you three months to really know the true final results of the surgery.  You are wrong on several points of your early interpretation. This is not a sign of an operative mistake. This is tremendous swelling. Furthermore the tissues would be so friable at this point in time that operating now even if it was indicated would be inappropriate. The tissues have to firm up to hold searchers again, and that will take at least three months to occur. You need to have patience and go back and do your follow up with your surgeon.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon