Normal to have bilateral numbness after Facelift?

After a Facelift, is it normal to have numbness bilaterally near the ears? Will it go away?

Sort: Date | Helpful
11 answers to “Normal to have bilateral numbness...”

A: Numbness is temporary

William Portuese, MD

It is normal to have temporary numbness in front of and behind the ears after a facelift/neck lift surgery. This is the result of cutting the microscopic sensory nerves around the ears. 99% of the time these will all grow back without any complications as long as the main nerve was not cut. This takes two... more

A: Numbess around ears and even cheeks is normal and will improve

Richard Gentile, MD

The numbness nearly all patients experience after face lifting procedures is from the disruption of the skin nerves when performing the lift.  This is a necessary part of the procedure and normal senation will return in the upcoming weeks.  

A: Numbness is normal after a facelift

Phillip Langsdon, MD

Yes, this is a normal consequence of the healing process. It will improve over a period of months. Sometimes it will take and entire year. Pinkness of the incision lines, numbness, and areas of firmness or small lumps and bumps are part of the healing process. Anytime we rearrange human tissue the patient... more

A: Numbness is very common and will improve after facelift.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

This is absolutely normal and commonly last for 6 months. Although the vast majority of the sensation will return, it is not unusual to have small areas of permanent numbness. It is rare for patients to complain about this.

A: Some numbness is normal, some is not normal but is foreseeable.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

 Dear Stiff Eyelid The side of the face is commonly numb after a facelift.  This is related to the surgical dissection to elevate and lift the facial skin that is part of many facelifts.  These sensory nerves tend to regenerate over time.  During this time frame of 6 weeks to 6 months, it... more

A: This is normal and will take time to get better.

Philip Young, MD

Numbness after a facelift is unavoidable and will get better in time.  When you do a facelift, your skin has to be elevated to expose the structures that need lifting. This invariably will interrupt the nerves that bring sensation to your skin.  The nerves will take some time to regenerate as they... more

A: Temporary numbness around the ears normal after facelift

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

During a face lift several small branches of the posterior branch of the Greater Auricular Nerve are damaged. Usually sensation returns but it can take up to two years. In some cases, these nerve branches are cut and the numbness is permanent. As the nerves heal expect taht you may feel funny sensations--small... more

A: It should resolve completely over time

Theda C. Kontis, MD

Yes, numbness around the ears is expected to occur after facelift surgery. The skin around the ears is completely elevated, which removes the sensory nerve input to the overlying skin and makes it feel numb. The nerves must regrow, and they do so rather slowly, so be patient..  You will notice... more

A: Temporary cheek numbness is expected after facelift

Peter E. Johnson, MD

After a facelift it is normal to experience numbness in the skin right in front of the ear extending out about an inch. Sometimes this is called a cotton sensation by our patients. Also in response to the healing the skin will feel dry and flaky as the repairs proceed. Our aesthetician will clean up the cheek... more

A: Typically normal after Facelift

Manish H. Shah, MD

With a facelift, the skin is lifted off the underlying structures of the face. It is reasonable to expect some sensation change initially because tiny sensory nerves are injured. However, for the vast majority of patients, the sensation returns in time as the nerve fibers regenerate. It can take a year or more... more

More answers to Normal to have bilateral numbness after Facelift?
Los Angeles - Depends...
Post your question

Facelift before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.