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Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Patients who undergo faceliftsurgery often complain of numbness and skin hypersensitivity. These are normalfindings immediately following surgery, and usually resolve with time. Thehypersensitivity that you describe is known as a dysesthesia. It’s very similarto what happens when your leg falls asleep. This phenomena occurs when nervesare compressed, stretched or traumatized.During facelift procedures smallcutaneous nerves are divided and traumatized. In many cases this is made worseby swelling. When dysesthesias occur patients describe a tingling, burningsensation that can be very uncomfortable. In many cases, clothing rubbingagainst the skin can elicit a burning sensation.These symptoms usually resolve insix to eight weeks without intervention. In rare cases 12 to 18 months may benecessary for resolution. In most cases tingling indicates nerve regenerationis on going. In some cases aggressive massage can desensitize the area andminimize the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.If you’re concerned about abnormalsensations following facelift surgery, consultation with your plastic surgeonis appropriate. Your surgeon should be able to address your concerns and alleviateyour anxiety.
It is fairlycommon for patients to experience temporary numbness on both side of their facefollowing a facelift surgery. During the skin flap elevation and the surgicaldissection some of the small sensory nerves to the skin must be transected inorder to tighten the facial muscle. These nerves will regenerate over timeanywhere between 6 weeks up to a year. In rare cases this numbness and tingling may last up to two years. During my consultation, I discuss thiswith patients, so they know exactly what to expect.
The reason for numbness after a face lift is that when skin is undermined the microscopic plexus of nerves is divided but in just about all cases reattach over several months up to a year or more and normal sensation is returned. Tingling is a good sign that they are reattaching and that it is likely your sensation is in the process of returning. After this period of time may represent an injury to an underlying named sensory nerve.
Tingling after a facelift one year postoperatively is highly uncommon. Most likely causes of tingling include the following: Recovery of sensory nerves- Every patient will have some degree of numbness early on. The vast majority have this restored within one month to 6 months. There are some cases which take up to 2 years for this to restore. Nerve regrowth is variable in every patient. Some patients swear by homeopathic nerve regrowth remedies. Hypertrophic scar or keloid- Can give the sensation of tingling.
