Over 2 years post-op & still have numbness/hypersensitivity

[dappleapple]

Hi there,

Firstly I have been a regular on this board for the last 3 years, it was a massive hep during the lead up to my surgery, and post-op, so thank you to the creators and other users

I had bimaxillary osteotomy surgery in May 2009 (2 and a bit years ago). It was deemed a success and my recovery was swift.

The only issue is, I am still numb in my chin and lower lip on the left hand side of my face and some areas of my gums on both sides. Well, when I say numb, it is more hyper-sensitive, like when I run my finger over the area, it tingles like pins and needles; if i poke it with my finger nail it feels like i’m stabbing it with a pin, and in general the jaw on that side feels tight, almost as though an elastic band is wrapped around the teeth.

It’s like the sensation started to come back and then just stopped.

Has anyone else had this feeling? Or had sensation return after over 2 years since surgery?

Would just be interested to know if this is likely to be permanent now.

Thanks, DA x

p.s. To anyone reading this who is pre-surgury; Don’t worry! I am so happy I went through with surgery and even if this stays forever, it doesn't affect me at all day to day and no-one can notice - I am so happy with my profile now that I would have done this regardless. It’s tough in the recovery but so worth it!!

[ReoSity]

Hi dappleapple,

I'm 4 years post-op for a sliding genioplasty and half my lower lip, part of my bottom gums and half my chin are still partially numb. It doesn't feel like pins and needles like you describe though. I don't expect it ever to come back and I really don't ever notice it. I actually have to get double jaw surgery next year to completely correct my jaw issues so there's also chance I might have additional numbness unfortunately.

[Bullfighter]

Glad you posted this. Although I'm only 5 1/2 months post op, I am in the same boat right now -- a "tightness" in my chin, almost like the "elastic band" sensation dapple mentioned. I don't seem to be totally numb anywhere, but partially so on the left side of my chin and lower lip.

I don't have the pins and needles sensation, just kind of dulled sensation on part of my chin, mostly. When I run a shaver over it in the morning, I can feel it, but not as much as I used to.

My lower gums are normal -- no numbess that I can detect.

Not sure what to say about two years. I would guess it has already healed as much as it's going to. I would also venture that the "95% of people recover" stat that my surgeon mentioned is a bit on the high side.

[dappleapple]

Thank you for your replies guys

I agree the 95% statistic is rather out - maybe this is down to the recording of figures? I was discharged after 1 year with them saying "oh, it will come back" - so maybe my numbness isn't recorded anywhere... I should probably get copies of my medical records and see; I'm sure the consultants don't especially want it on their records if they can help it, afterall.

[Bullfighter]

Thank you for your replies guys

I agree the 95% statistic is rather out - maybe this is down to the recording of figures? I was discharged after 1 year with them saying "oh, it will come back" - so maybe my numbness isn't recorded anywhere... I should probably get copies of my medical records and see; I'm sure the consultants don't especially want it on their records if they can help it, afterall.

I got the "it will come back" quote almost verbatim. Seeing as I just had surgery in Feb, I'm not giving up a full recovery yet.

I don't think the data are very good. This site is probably the best in terms of bringing together those who have had this type of surgery, but there doesn't seem to be any systematic method of measuring how much feeling you've lost and how much you've recovered. It's all very subjective.

[RMF7825]

I have read a few long term studies on this. The stats are wide ranging. Anywhere from 1%-30% of long term or "permanant" numbness which also varys widely on how pronounced and/or extensive it is. My guess, and it is only that, is that there is a sizable number of patients that do have at least some numbness long term after the surgery, but most people do not seem to be so bothered by this that they wish they did not have the surgery. That is an unscientific assessement of course gleened out of reading many experiences. Most often the numbness seems to be in the chin/lower lip area.

[dtdtdt]

I had bsso in March and the numbness is going nowhere fast! I don't know if that tingling sensation when you rub finger across chin in a good or bad thing. Mine has been that way for a long time. I wish I knew if that meant improvement is near or if that is really what a "dead" nerve creates? The dr just likes to repeat the "it will come back" line and move on.

Have you tried the ice test? I can't feel an ice cube on one side of my chin!!! i can on the other so i will hold out hope.


Wishing some increased sensation to all of you!


Danielle

[streo]

Does the loss of sensation affect how well you can move the affected parts?

[RMF7825]

The sensation does not typically affect any muscle movement and no one can tell by looking at you that you have this. Only you know where you cannot feel or have any type of altered sensation.