lip closure post-op

[JJ]

Hi there,
I am 5 weeks post-op from a leforte 1 surgery. I had my maxilla advanced 3mm and brought down as I also had a slight open bite. I had a very positive story with the surgery - very happy with the results and no numbness My one complaint as of now is that I have to struggle to get full closure of my lips. It feels like my maxilla was brought forward and down and now my lips don't fit anymore! I have to struggle with my "m" and "b" "p" sounds, especially if I have been smiling. I also find it harder to get my upper lip over my braces. My surgeon said that it will take time for my lip to stretch. Has anyone esle experienced this? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[KriegeR]

I'm 5 weeks post-op from a bimax, and my maxilla was brought down by 6mm, rotated, and tilted to correct a slight cant. My mandible was lifted 6mm and set back 4mm, all of which was to correct an 11mm anterior open bite. The surgery hasn't quite closed the gap (I know the figures don't add up but I can't explain it), but it is infinitely better than it was!

Prior to surgery I had the same problem as you in that I usually 'gawped' or walked around with my mouth hanging open. This is no longer the case and even with my jaw relaxed and opened slightly, my lips meet perfectly. However I do still have a couple of niggles. Due to the complete loss of sensation in my bottom lip, I feel like my mouth is still open all the time. When I move it so that the movement is detected by my partially-numb top lip, it makes it feel like my bottom lip is stuck right out. Imagine how a child sticks their bottom lip out when they're going to cry or have been told off, and that's how my lip feels.

I'm sure things will correct themselves with time but if you think there really is something wrong, pressure your surgeon or ortho to take a look for a second opinion.