Sue Ferrell

My son, Jason Ferrell, plays trumpet for a living.....unfortunately, he was in a car accident and injured his lips. Plastic surgery repaired the lips. After two weeks he is still numb but starting to tingle. Any suggestions to help the healing process and what about any mouth or lip exercises? He's been told to let them heal...but he's anxious. Anything to help with any scarring? Anyone know of an excellent Plastic Surgeon that does this kind of work? Jason has some serious injuries, but his concern is his lips.

Thanks,
Just Mom...

Sterling

Lips starting to tingle is a good sign. In September, I had surgery which left my lower lip numb for the whole month. I was in a hurry to get back to the way I played before surgery because I had jobs lined up. Forcing myself well was counterproductive, but small, daily gains would lift me out of a funk. When he is able to put a mouthpiece to his face, don't overdo it. Plenty of rest and recovery is advised. He might have to sub out some of his coming gigs. Good luck.

richtom

He may already know this, but you can tell your son two of the most famous and greatest players ever suffered severe lip injuries.
The legendary principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony, Adolph Herseth, was in an auto accident in 1952. He had considerable damage to his lower teeth and lower lip. He was able to recover in 6 weeks and went on to his extraordinary 53 year career.
Rafael Mendez, who many consider the greatest trumpeter ever, suffered a lip injury so severe, it required more than 4 operations rendering him unable to play for two years and had to completely re-learn the trumpet.
Both trumpeters are available to be seen and heard on youtube and their overcoming of severe lip injuries can be an inspiration to your son. There are other trumpeters who have overcome injured lips as well, so tell him to hang in there and take things slow and easy.
The tingling is indeed a good thing and Sterling has given excellent, first hand advice. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Rich T

Sue Ferrell

Thanks so much for the encouragement.....Jason actually played with Adolph Herseth a few years back. If anyone knows how to get in touch with him, would be nice to hear some words from Mr Herseth.

ComeBackKid

It seems that I remember that Al Hirt was riding on a float in a parade in New Orleans when someone threw a brick and hit him in the mouth. I don't recall the extent of his injuries but it seems to me that it was bad but he was able to recover. The human body is pretty extraordinary for that sort of thing. The fact that your son wants it so bad will help as well. The mental effort is more than half the battle.

Good luck.

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Come-Back Kid
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UgoSolari

This is the man:
Name: McGrail Simon J Dr
Street: 91 Scollard Street
Toronto, on M5R1G4-
Phone: (416) 926-7767

Dr. J. Simon McGrail
...
The esteemed Dr. Simon McGrail had been a pioneer in the field of facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for over 30 years.He has led the field in pioneering new surgical techniques, and is currently one of the only surgeons in the world that perform a specific reconstructive lip repair procedure.

Dr. McGrail, brings his vast experience and tremendous surgical skills and passion for his work to the Scollard clinic.

Dr. J. S. McGrail, was trained as a physician in Manchester, England, He completed Specialty and fellowship work in Otorhinolaryngology at the University at the University at Wayne County Hospital in Michigan.Dr. McGrail completed further training in Facial Reconstructive Surgery along with exhaustive clinical research in areas ranging from Carcinoma of the nasal vestibule, Angeodema of the larynx and Orbital complications and Pathology.Because of his tremendous training and qualifications, Dr McGrail, was appointed Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Toronto and subsequent Chief at the Wellesley Hospital.

His specialty training and interest in Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery has put Dr. McGrail at the forefront of his field and led to such positions as: Physician to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Physician to Team Canada Hockey at the World Championships, and Founding Member of The Canadian Institute for Facial Plastic and Surgery, and Founding Member of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. McGrail, has been consulted by numerous celebrities and people in the entertainment industry for his specialty knowledge in the area of vocal pathologies and surgical lip repair, namely Frank Sinatra, Phil Collins, tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo along with theatrical singers from various productions including the Lion King, The Phantom of the opera and the Canadian Opera Company.


I've copied this info from a couple of websites. I saw Dr. McGrail in 2001. He is the leading authority on lip injuries in brass players. I don't know if this is his current contact info. I'm told that he is now in semi-retirement, in his office a few days a month. If your son wants to return to playing, I would definitely see Dr. McGrail.