OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Is Lingering Numbness in My Lip After Surgery Typical?

6/22/2025, 4:10:22 PMMale25-34

I’m a 23-year-old woman who had a mucocele cyst on my lower left lip for over a year prior to having it surgically removed just a little over a month ago. Thankfully, there have been no signs of the cyst reappearing, and the exterior of my lip looks flat. However, I can still feel a small bump inside my lip, which I suspect is due to the healing process. My main concern is that my lip remains somewhat numb—is this a common occurrence? When I spoke to my surgeon, she indicated that she wouldn't schedule any follow-up appointments for me, which felt a bit frustrating. Additionally, I had difficulty reaching her when I tried to inquire about my biopsy results; she opted to send the information through the mail instead. This leaves me wondering if the numbness I’m experiencing is normal or if it would be wise to arrange a consultation so she can assess my lip again?

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/22/2025, 4:10:36 PM

OpenHealth AI

Lingering numbness in your lip after mucocele cyst surgery can happen, especially if nerves were affected during the procedure. It's good to hear that the cyst hasn't returned and that your lip appears to be healing well. Here's what you should know about your situation:

Explanation

Numbness occurs because nerves may be temporarily damaged during surgery, which can take time to heal. Since your surgery was just a month ago, it's not unusual for some numbness to persist for a while. The small bump you feel inside your lip could also be part of the normal healing process or scar tissue formation. However, if the numbness continues or worsens, it's reasonable to seek further clarity.

Next Steps

  1. Monitor Sensation: Keep track of how your lip feels over the next few weeks. Note any changes in numbness or if you regain sensation gradually.
  2. Self-Care: Maintain a gentle oral hygiene routine to avoid irritation. Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may aggravate sensitivity.
  3. Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult a pharmacist for recommendations specific to your circumstances.
  4. Follow-Up: If the numbness persists beyond three months or if you notice any new symptoms, consider reaching out to your surgeon again to discuss your concerns. If reaching her proves difficult, you may also explore getting a second opinion from another specialist, like an oral surgeon or an ENT.

Your feelings of frustration are valid, especially when it comes to ensuring your health and receiving timely communication. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself in your healthcare journey. Remember, it's always better to clarify any concerns you have regarding your health.

Related Questions

Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup

While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered

Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Urinalysis Inquiry

Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.

NutritionWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About My Eye Condition

I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?

Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago