Those who had Chin/Lip strain: post-op question rop

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#1 Post by **starteeth** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:39 pm

I am bored and don't see my surgeon for a few more weeks so I thought I would post my thoughts and compare them you you all's answers. lol!

Anyway, I am healing well. I had quite a lot of lip/chin strain pre-surgery. I was made aware that I may always have to strain slightly to shut my lips all the way, since I have a really abnormal short upper lip, and the surgeon was wary of trying to fix it, saying that to eliminate my strain he would have to push everything so far forward that I may have a protruded look and that I didn't have enough skin/flesh on my face to make it look natural and not pulled/tight. But that is ok, I understand, and am glad he didn't want me to look like an alien. hehe. My lips are much much improved and definitely closer together, therefor it feels less strained. I think that perhaps with more muscle use and exercising that they will practically close. The more the numbness subsides, the easier I can shut them. They don't look strained anymore when shut, and maybe they just feel like it, since I have never used those muscles and they are probably weak.

Well, here's my question: When I shut my lips, the right side of my chin, kind of wrinkles/dimples a little. I think I had this before the surgery though. Is this the muscle? or is it a genetic thing, like how some people have dimple in the center of their chin? it is not that noticeable. I am probably the only one really seeing it. My chin muscle is obviously tightening up when I close my lips and the left side feels smooth and the right side of the chin has these teeny lumps. Just wondering if my muscle will adapt, or if it is just the way I am made, since I had it before sugery.

#2 Post by **HokieTay** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:53 am

Hi, I have not had the surgery yet, but I am getting it soon. I have the same issue... lip closure strain and have that wrinkle/dimple issue going on as well. I am surprised they weren't able to fix that for you? I have been told that with the Le Fort I and BSSO all will be corrected including the wrinkle on the chin. I know exactly what you're talking about. I would be disappointed if that wasn't corrected through all this hassle.

I don't know if you have ever tried this, but I have a gummy smile and have had one since about middle school from the way my jaw developed. My dentist used to tell me to put cotton underneath my upper lip @ night to stretch it. Don't know if that would help you.

#3 Post by **smile2006** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:11 pm

I had upper/lower and genio to correct an open bite. With the open bite by lips did not close easily prior to surgery and i had a "dimply" chin. Post-surgery my lips close comfortably and naturally and no more dimply chin. I remember the first time I went to the bathroom in the hosiptal and looked at myself, I was astounded that my lips were closed and my teeth touched in an at rest position. I was so happy (-:

#4 Post by **starteeth** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:51 pm

well I guess most people don't have really short upper lip. I am hoping maybe the muscle just hasn't adapted yet, and maybe it is just my muscle memory going on. And perhaps there are some muscle exercises I can do.

#5 Post by **OzzysMom** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:38 am

Starteeth, how long has it been since your surgery? I am 5 months post-op and still have that problem. The good news is that I am noticing it relaxing more. I had been told that it would take some time for that muscle memory to totally go away in extreme cases like mine. Also, I have noticed some major changes in my face/swelling just the past few days which I am very happy with. Once again, it's just keeping patient and giving it time to heal.
Best wishes to you on your recovery!
OM

#6 Post by **starteeth** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:52 pm

i am about 6 wks post op. Yes I am hoping things will relax with more time. I am already seeing improvements weekly.