Nerve Damage Risk associated with Cyst Removal from face

[Firecracker4]

I am scheduled to have a 2 by 21/2 cm cyst removed from my left side of my face by a plastic surgeron.  He indicated that there is a risk of nerve damage due to the location of the cyst and the nerve fibers.  He said that if there was any damage it would only effect my smile.  Now, I am having the cyst removed to improve the look of my face, even though a scar will be noticiable, I am more worried about damage to my facial nerve.  Can someone please tell me how common the nerve damage is and if anyone has suffered from the damage?  Any information regarding the damage to facial nerve is appreciated.  PS  the Dr. said not to get hung up on the risk, but I can't help but to worry!  Thank you in advance for your advice.

[Bunnygrl555]

son has facial cyst. Doctor will not remove it because of possible nerve damage, but I’m worried the cyst is getting worse. and I’m also worried about nerve damage. I wish there was maybe a less invasive way to drain the cyst, like with a syringe attached to very light suction, just get all the gunk out, sure it might come back, but they come back anyway, so...,

I wonder if this idea exists or could be tested/developed?

[purple1234567]

Have you talked to the doctor about your concerns about the cyst getting worse?  Are you able to find a doctor to give you a second opinion?  

[Bunnygrl555]

Yes I’ve taken him to the doctor about 5 times and will continue. They say because it’s moving around (not stuck) they would advise just leaving it. They say it isn’t getting bigger, but it really is.  I really like my doctor but I disagree on this point because it really is getting bigger. I think they are scared of causing nerve damage . I get that, I am too

[purple1234567]

Are you taking him to the same doctor?  If you are disagreeing with the doctor- I'd look into a second opinion from another doctor, it never hurts to get another set of eyes on it!  My daughter had a cyst on her neck that did move around- we did remove it, but that was mostly because of the location- it was very close to her thyroid gland.  I do know that they are more likely to leave them if they are not in an at risk location.  That said, if you aren't sure about it- get a second opinion from a different doctor, if you haven't already.

[Bunnygrl555]

2 doctors. Looking into 3rd opinion from plastic surgeon..

[Bunnygrl555]

2 doctors. Looking into 3rd opinion from plastic surgeon..

[Hairstylistondemand]

It's true you can have facial nerve damage as a result of a cyst removal, I know it has happened to me,my advice to you is do your homework , get another doctor if you must, don't look at his position, as being a doctor, they make mistakes too at your expense

[ynm]

My boyfriend has a cyst on the left side of his face right next to his eye. The doctor has informed him that it is twisted with his nerve and so again he runs a risk of losing some movement in his eyebrow. Just wanted to share our situation and ask anyone if the've expirienced anything like this.

[sheardo]

Did you have ur cyst removed?did you have facial damage? i am having the same on 12-01-2011 and like you am worried.
regards

[password12]

I have a reoccuring cyst behind my left ear.  I have had it I & D'd twice, surgically removed, and then I & D'd once more and now I am at the same crossroads.  I just don't know if I want to have another surgery because of the nerve damage risk is well.  I will keep you updated