Brian, I agree with you, I think the outcome has alot to do with the individual and all the other numerous circumstances and details that are involved in such a huge surgery. I know for a fact that my surgeon is one of the most caring, dedicated surgeons around and he takes great care with his patients. I've also been told that not all of the damage is from surgery, some is also from radiation damage. For the first two years, my lip was fine.

Wayne, thank you for the input, interesting what your doctor has to say. Are you able to make the "fish face" with your lips? That is a big indicator if you will have any nerve damage down the road, and I was asked to make that face repeatedly the first few days I was awake after surgery. I cannot make that face, my lower left lip won't move. Keep in mind that this type of deterioration doesn't happen to everyone and it takes time for it to show up. It's minor compared to some others I've met, trust me.