Why is my ear still numb four weeks after facelift? Both ears have changed shape and lobe is longer.

Numbness of lower ears common after facelift and always recovers although it can take many months.  The nerve to that area is superficial and often bruised or injured but always recovers.  Ear lobe shape will always change in the immediate postoperative period but occasionally changes are permanent and require a minor revision.  As part of a facelift there is tension in that area and adjustments need to be made at time of surgery but postoperative outcome not always 100 per cent predictable.  However patients are always understably very analytical and may notice changes that are very small.

Thank you for your question.  Numbness following a facelift typically resolves as healing progresses and can take weeks or months to resolve.  My strong advice is to wait a full 4-6 months before considering the final result of your procedure.  Best of luck.

Numbness is the norm rather than the exception after Face and neck lift surgery. It can take more than a few weeks for the sensation to return. As far as the shape of the earlobe goes, they can become a little elongated after surgery, but as mentioned, they can be revisded with minor surgical procedure. As far as your surgeon denying the change, the before and after photos are a great way to look at changes after surgery.Good luck

Hi ,It is not at all unusual to have numb ears after a facelift . This numbness can sometimes take a year to go away. it is only in rare cases that it doesn't go away. Wait until the swelling goes down ( about 2-3 months ) before making any decisions re a revision of the lobes. If this is necessary, it most likely can be done in the office.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Because the skin around the ear is incised during a regular facelift it's not unusual for the ear lobe to have decreased sensation after surgery for up to six weeks. The sensory nerve to the ear can be injured when the necklift component of that part of a lift is done. This can lead to long term if not permanent sensory changes to the ear. You need to discuss this situation with your surgeon. 

You are early in the recovery period.  The shape of your ear lobes my be a bit different due to swelling.  Re-evaluation of your ear lobes at 3 months would be prudent.  The numbness of your ears is also due to swelling around the nerve that gives feeling to your ears.  This should improve 6-9 months.  RegardsEarl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS

I assume that you have had your recent surgery performed by a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with vast experience managing the aging face.  Facelift surgery is a very elegant procedure, that due to the nature of the event-there can be considerable swelling and bruising which leads to considerable temporary distortion and numbness of tissues and local anatomy.  It is  thus quite common to experience ear lobe distortion and numbness of both the face and the ear for many months following surgery- so hang in there and give your new face time to settle as you  anticipate the resurgence of the sensational new you in the months to come!

It is still too early to make a determination about your ear shape. The swelling of the earlobes is the last area of swelling to resolve after a facelift. It can take as long as a couple of months. The numbness of the ear is likely due to stretching of the greater auricular nerve from the procedure and almost always resolves after a few months as well.

Most face and neck lift procedures entail incisions around the earlobes to access the lower face and neck areas. Once the lower face and neck are lifted the earlobes are reattached. This can certainly change the shape and position of the earlobes. In the first month the earlobes are often swollen which makes them appear more prominent and different. Most of this swelling will go away over the next few months at which time you will see your final result. Numbness of the ears and lower cheek are typical after this type of surgery and sometimes it can be on one side and not the other as in your situation. It's comforting to know that most of this numbness will subside over the next 3 to 6 months. At one month post op you are still pretty early in your recovery period. Give it some time and you will see improvement in both these areas. Anything that concerns you after 6 months should be discussed with your surgeon.