Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, can be a significant step for individuals seeking to correct issues like overbites or underbites related to jaw alignment.
While it’s an effective procedure aimed at enhancing both jaw function and appearance, potential patients often have concerns about the risks involved.
One common concern revolves around the possibility of experiencing facial numbness after the surgery.
It’s important to understand that all surgical procedures carry some level of risk, and jaw surgery is no different. However, when performed by a skilled and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, it is generally considered a safe procedure. Your surgeon should thoroughly brief you on all potential risks before you proceed.
Is Facial Numbness Common After Jaw Surgery?
Yes, experiencing some degree of facial numbness, medically termed paresthesia, is a known side effect following orthognathic surgery. This sensation occurs because the surgical procedures take place in areas of the face where various nerves related to facial sensitivity are located.
During the surgery, even with advanced techniques like facial nerve stimulators designed to help surgeons identify and avoid nerves, minor trauma or stretching (traction forces) can occur to small nerve endings. This interaction with the nerves is what typically leads to the feeling of numbness.
It’s crucial to note that the nerves affected are generally those responsible for sensation, not facial movement. The nerves controlling the muscles used for facial expressions are not located in the areas typically treated during orthognathic surgery, meaning there isn’t a risk of facial paralysis (loss of facial mimicry) from this type of procedure.
Which Areas Are Typically Affected?
The specific areas experiencing numbness depend on whether the surgery involved the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible):
- Upper Jaw Surgery: Numbness commonly affects the cheeks, upper lip, upper teeth, and palate.
- Lower Jaw Surgery: Numbness is often felt in the lower lip, chin, lower teeth, and sometimes the tongue.
How Long Does the Numbness Last?
For most patients, the numbness experienced after jaw surgery is temporary. The recovery period, however, varies significantly from person to person.
- General Timeline: Numbness can take anywhere from 2 months to 12 months to subside. Some sources suggest recovery can start as early as 30 days or, in exceptional cases, take longer than a year.
- Nerve Regeneration: Nerves have the capacity to regenerate if they’ve been affected during surgery. The sensation returns as these slow regeneration processes complete. Patience is key during this recovery phase.
- Post-Surgical Exercises: Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative exercises has been shown to significantly aid in the recovery of sensation in the affected areas.
What About Permanent Numbness?
While temporary numbness is common, the risk of permanent facial numbness exists, although it is considered rare.
Permanent numbness occurs if a nerve sustains significant damage during the procedure. Scientific literature suggests the rate of permanent numbness is around 10%.
Even in cases where numbness is permanent, patients are still able to move the affected area (as muscle control nerves are unaffected). Over time, many individuals adapt to the lack of sensation, and most report that the overall positive outcomes of the surgery outweigh this inconvenience.
Minimizing the Risk
Several factors contribute to minimizing the risk of nerve-related complications, including permanent numbness:
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Choosing a well-trained, experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon is crucial. Their skill and experience play a significant role in the outcome.
- Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Your dental specialist will conduct a thorough examination, often including a CT scan. This imaging helps visualize the exact path of the nerves within your jawbone and assess your jaw’s structure. This allows the surgeon to evaluate your individual risk level and plan the surgery accordingly.
- Surgical Planning & Technology: Advanced techniques like 3D surgical planning and tools such as facial nerve stimulators help surgeons navigate around critical nerve structures more precisely.
- Anatomical Factors: Individual variations in the position, thickness, and structure of nerves can also influence the risk.
Conclusion
Facial numbness is a frequent but usually temporary side effect of jaw surgery, affecting areas like the lips, chin, cheeks, or palate depending on the surgical site. Recovery times vary, typically ranging from a few months to a year, as nerves slowly regenerate.
While the possibility of permanent numbness due to nerve damage exists, it is uncommon. Thorough pre-operative assessment, advanced surgical techniques, and the surgeon’s experience are key factors in minimizing risks.
It is essential to have a detailed discussion with your chosen specialist to fully understand the potential complications and benefits before deciding to proceed with jaw surgery.