Will My Lower Lip Numbness After A Sliding Genioplasty Be Improved My Hardware Removal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a sliding genioplasty two years ago and 5 days post op, the Doctor asked if I feel numb esp on the left side of my lower lip/chin and I said yes. He said it’ll be gone in 6 weeks or it’ll take years. I waited but 2.5 years after, I still have numbness on the left side of my lower lip. I am experiencing tightness and weird sensation on the area. I now have a crooked smile and I can feel it get tighter when I talk. Is this nerve damage, impingement or muscle weakness? Should I do a revision or remove screws?

A: At this prolonged time after sliding genioplasty surgery the left mental nerve numbness can be assumed to be permanent. Removing the plate and screws will not make any difference in the numbness as they are located far from the mental foramen. Persistent tightness may be improved by release and placement of a fat graft.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana