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What Causes Numbness Under Chin Post Submandibular Gland Removal?
Question: hi
I have had submandibular gland removal back in 3 November 2014. under my chin is still really numb, I have swelling on the right side of my fact, I have really bad tethering where the operation was. cannot put my head back or turn to the left and I have pain going from my jaw line through to the back of my ear. my local doctor is not happy with the operation, however I have been to the surgeon 2 weeks after my op in November and I am due to see him Monday 19 January.
my neck looks horrible and I was wondering if this was normal? being a routine operation as the surgeon mentioned with no side effects!!
I have searched online and have found the nerve can be traumatised for a couple of months, which is fine but will that make under my jawline numb still and have trouble moving my tongue to the left of my mouth?
please help!!
I have had submandibular gland removal back in 3 November 2014. under my chin is still really numb, I have swelling on the right side of my fact, I have really bad tethering where the operation was. cannot put my head back or turn to the left and I have pain going from my jaw line through to the back of my ear. my local doctor is not happy with the operation, however I have been to the surgeon 2 weeks after my op in November and I am due to see him Monday 19 January.
my neck looks horrible and I was wondering if this was normal? being a routine operation as the surgeon mentioned with no side effects!!
I have searched online and have found the nerve can be traumatised for a couple of months, which is fine but will that make under my jawline numb still and have trouble moving my tongue to the left of my mouth?
please help!!
Brief Answer:
There can be a temporary numbness,also blood clot and secondary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hey thanks for your faith in the health care Magic
I have gone through your question and I understood your problem.
You have undergone a submandibular gland removal operation. So I would first like you to know its complications. These are as follows.
Blood clot: A blood clot can collect beneath the skin in a small number of patients. This may require a return to the operating theatre.
Wound infection: This is uncommon in the neck but can happen if the submandibular gland was badly infected. Wound infection will require antibiotic treatment. Pus collecting under the skin may need to be drained.
Facial weakness: A branch of an important nerve passes under the chin close to the submandibular gland. It makes the lower lip move and if damaged or bruised during surgery it can lead to a weakness of the lower lip. In most cases this nerve works normally after the surgery but a weakness can occur which is usually temporary.
Numbness of tongue: The nerve which gives sensation and taste to one half of the tongue runs close to the duct of the gland. Rarely, this nerve gets injured leading to numbness of the tongue immediately after the operation. This will usually go, and permanent numbness of the tongue is rare.
Now coming back to your problem you said your neck is abnormal in its look. well by seeing your pics I will say not much to worry about as I couldn't find any gross abnormality in it.Rest is a clinical judgement of your treating doctor
You also are complaining of numbness which as I have explained earlier is temporary most of the times and will vanish over a time.
You also complained of swelling and inability to rotate your neck which for me can be due to blood clots and secondary infection which we need to differentiate clinically.So my advice is dont ignore it and consult with your operating surgeon as soon as possible.
I hope my answer was helpful for you . Thank you.
DR . XXXXXXX HASABE
There can be a temporary numbness,also blood clot and secondary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hey thanks for your faith in the health care Magic
I have gone through your question and I understood your problem.
You have undergone a submandibular gland removal operation. So I would first like you to know its complications. These are as follows.
Blood clot: A blood clot can collect beneath the skin in a small number of patients. This may require a return to the operating theatre.
Wound infection: This is uncommon in the neck but can happen if the submandibular gland was badly infected. Wound infection will require antibiotic treatment. Pus collecting under the skin may need to be drained.
Facial weakness: A branch of an important nerve passes under the chin close to the submandibular gland. It makes the lower lip move and if damaged or bruised during surgery it can lead to a weakness of the lower lip. In most cases this nerve works normally after the surgery but a weakness can occur which is usually temporary.
Numbness of tongue: The nerve which gives sensation and taste to one half of the tongue runs close to the duct of the gland. Rarely, this nerve gets injured leading to numbness of the tongue immediately after the operation. This will usually go, and permanent numbness of the tongue is rare.
Now coming back to your problem you said your neck is abnormal in its look. well by seeing your pics I will say not much to worry about as I couldn't find any gross abnormality in it.Rest is a clinical judgement of your treating doctor
You also are complaining of numbness which as I have explained earlier is temporary most of the times and will vanish over a time.
You also complained of swelling and inability to rotate your neck which for me can be due to blood clots and secondary infection which we need to differentiate clinically.So my advice is dont ignore it and consult with your operating surgeon as soon as possible.
I hope my answer was helpful for you . Thank you.
DR . XXXXXXX HASABE
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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