Facial distortion after facelift

I had a deep plane facelift a week ago and since that time whenever I smile or talk only one side of lower lip is working giving me a lop sided smile or like I am talking out of the side of my mouth, eating is a bit difficult too and the right inside of my cheek feels very sore.

Speaking with my surgeon he thinks it maybe damage to the mandibular nerve although he cannot understand this as he says he did not go near it with the knife but used his fingers to separate the tissues....gross!!!

What I dearly want to know is will this resolve itself, can nerves repair/regenerate or am I stuck like this forever.    My surgeon is experienced and has a good reputation and thus I am a bit perplexed/disappointed by this unfortunate outcome.

Your advice would be appreciated.