Ear Numbness on One Side After Lower Facelift?

I had a lower face lift 9 weeks ago. One ear is still virtually, completely numb. I have feeling inside the ear, near and around the entrance to the canal - but none on the lobe or sides or top of the ear. At the very top of the lobe, where it connects to the opening of the ear area, I have a very slight sensation in a tiny spot. I am concerned about permanent nerve damage. The other ear has regained at least 80% sensation. What should I expect?

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ears numb 2 months post-op

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Qgirl33

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (1)

Numbness of Ear Lobe 9 Weeks after Facelift

Numbness of the ear at 9 weeks may be due to neuropraxic injury and should improve over several months to a year.

Ear numbness following lower facelift

It is not abnormal to feel numbness around the ear at 9 weeks following a lower facelift. Numbness may be caused by temporary nerve damage, which will usually resolve itself within 6 months to a year following surgery. It may take even longer for a complete recovery, but it really depends on the patient and the extent of their surgery. It is too soon to tell whether or not any nerve damage you are experiencing is permanent, but this will rarely be the case. I would recommend speaking with... more

Ear numbness after face lift

Numbness of the facial region is normal after a face lift. Most sensation will eventually return to normal. This may take months to occur. There are time that ear may remain numb for an extended period of time, permanent numbness is possible but rare. You are still early so give it more time and see if there is slow return of sensation.

Numbness in ear after lower facelift

It is still early and you are still in the healing process. The numbness in your ear on one side after your lower facelift is rather common. The fact that sensation has returned in the other ear is also encouraging, but certainly bring this question up with your surgeon and he/she can make sure you are healing as planned.

Carlo Honrado, MD

5 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drhonrado.com

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Comments (1)

Patient5555 17 Dec 2012

I am 5 weeks out and experiencing the exact same thing. Has it improved since your question? I know it is early for me but it is concerning me that the left ear is getting a lot of sensation back but the right ear is not. Thank you!

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