Face/neck Lift (SMAS/platysmaplasty) Three Weeks Ago and Have Left Ear Numbness

Since a face/neck lift 3 weeks ago, the entire outside of my left ear is completely numb (there is slight sensation at the very top of the ear and some sensation in the center of my near the canal, but NO feeling in around the ear (including the earlobe). There is also a feeling of fullness/pressure in my left left ear canal. It feels like there is just a lump of clay sitting on the side of my head. Should I have some sensation in my ear by now? Should I see a neurologist?

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Face/neck Lift (SMAS/platysmaplasty) Three Weeks Ago and Have Left Ear Numbness

Hi, At this point after your facelift, numbness around the ear is normal. You should start getting some sensation back in about 4 to 6 weeks which can take up to 18 months to resolve. However, if you do not regain sensation or tingly sensations within 6 to 12 weeks, the greater auricular nerve could be damaged ( supplies sensation to that part of the ear) This could also account for the fullnes in your ear but also may be ear wax with dried blood from the surgery.Ask your surgeon... more

Numbness at 3 Weeks around Ear after Facelift

While numbness may likely recover in this area, your external auditory canal should be examined as well for foreign bodies. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Numbness of earlobe

This is an injury to or swelling obstructing the great auricular nerve.Speak to your doctor about this . It rarely returns

Ear Numbness 3 Weeks Post Rhinoplasty

The symptoms you describe are secondary to an injury to the great auricular nerve. Hopefully the trauma is minimal and sensation will return. Talk to your surgeon and ask about seeing a neurologist for an evaluation. It is normal and temporary to have decreased feeling in the skin in front and back of the ear.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Great auricular nerve injury is common.

The numbness is very disturbing. Often however, these injuries get better in time. The awareness of a pins and needles sensation is a sign of recovery. In my experience, if the sensation is not better by 6 months is can be permanent. I recommend that you discuss this concern with your plastic surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Ear is numb after facelift

The most common nerve injury in facelift is the great auricular (as in ear) nerve which is located about two inches below the ear in the neck. The numbness is profound as yours is though the sensation in the canal is present because this area is supplied by a different nerve. A neurologist will know what is up, and your plastic surgeon certainly will as well.

Numb ear after facelift--neurologist not necessary!

Your ear numbness is secondary to injury to the great auricular nerve, which is the sensory nerve to the areas you describe. This will gradually heal and sensation return over time IF the nerve was simply bruised, stretched, or inflamed after surgery. Recovery is variable but can take weeks to as long as several months. If the nerve was severed (it is quite superficial and is the most commonly injured nerve with facelift surgery), it will not recover, but other nerve regrowth will diminish... more

Ear numbness after a face lift

Go back to your plastic surgeon. the nerve affected is the Greater auricular nerve. It comes up to the skin from the muscle about an inch below the earlobe. It provides feeling to the outer ear Treatment will depend on why it is numb. Discuss possibilities with your surgeon. It can be swelling, pressure from the bandage, a suture or damage to the nerve. Once you and your surgeon have a treatment plan - then consider a... more

Face/neck Lift (SMAS/platysmaplasty) Three Weeks Ago and Have Left Ear Numbness

You should, IMHO, go back to the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that performed your Face Lift and ask him/her about the degree and location of the numbness. If appropriate, your Face Lift Surgeon should refer to you a neurologist or other specialist. In principles, injury to the Greater Auricular Nerve in the neck will cause localized numbness to the neck and the earlobe. It would not create numbness of the entire ear which could be typical post Face Lift temporary... more

Ear numbness=nerve injury or bruise

Your symptoms are indeed indicative of an injury to the greater auricular nerve. This is actually the most common sensory nerve injured during a face lift. The nerve is located fairly superficial and crosses the sternocleidomastoid muscle below the angle of your jaw. You may also just have stretching of this nerve, or some type of an injection injury from a needle while the local was being infused. Had you surgeon recognized this injury when it happened it should have been... more

Left ear numbness after facelift. When will this resolve?

Ear numbness after a facelift usually results from stretching of the nerve that provides sensation to the ear. This is relatively unusual and, in most cases, resolves within several months. That stretched nerve needs time to heal and you should be aware of the numbness and avoid injury to the ear, as suggested by Dr. Athre, in the meantime. Thank you for your question. Stephen Weber, M.D., Ph.D. Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after facelift is normal

Your feelings of numbness around the ear are completely normal. It can take 4-6 months for the feeling to return. During this time period it is important for you to be careful when using a blow drier or curling iron to prevent burning yourself. The ear fullness may indicate some dried blood in your ear canal. Have your surgeon take a quick look in your ear. Regards,