Strange feelings on ear after face lift 7 months ago. Will they get better? (Photo)

Question

I had a face life 7 months ago and am still having very strange feelings on the outer ear. I can't hold a phone to it and feel on my ear where it is. When I blow dry my hair it feels very funny like I am in a canyon. Most of the time it feels like I have a clip on the outside rim of the ear with extreme pressure. When I touch or scratch my neck just under my ear it hurts the ear area. Is there anything that can help this? Is there still hope for a recovery? What is going on?

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  The symptoms that you are describing sound typical for a greater auricular nerve injury, which is a risk with facelift surgery.  This can cause feelings of numbness of the ear and can sometimes be associated with some sensations of pain due to neuropathy.  These symptoms will typically resolve in 6 - 12 months, but may last up to 2 years, and can rarely be permanent.  I would suggest that you address your concerns with your physician and allow him/her to evaluate your healing and determine the best plan for management, if any, indicated at this time.  Most likely watchful waiting will be recommended in anticipation that these symptoms will likely resolve over time.  I wish you the best in your recovery process.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Because your incision is placed around your ear, it can be common to have some hypersensitivity or decreased sensation around your incision site after surgery due to nerve irritation. These pictures are from early after your operation and it would be nice to see pictures of how they look at 7 months out. I recommend that you follow-up with your surgeon for an examination. If it is nerve irritation then gentle massage can help desensitize the irritated nerve.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you are having pain, it may be that the scars are causing tenderness.  This can be improved by injections of the scars with steroids.  If the scars look okay, your best option is to wait it out.  The discomfort should improve with time,.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

If the scar is still tender 7 months after surgery, you may consider a scar revision to remove scar and release any scar that may be causing pain.  Before this is tried, steroid injections can help relieve pain associated with scars.

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

following a facelift Ear numbness is fairly common.  Typically this improves over the course of 6 months or so, but can take as much as a year.  In rare cases if the nerve that gives sensation to the ear was cut during surgery the sensation may not return.  For you the fact that you have some sensation is promising.  Give it time and you may find that things return to normal over the next few months.  Best regards

Strange feelings on ear after face lift 7 months ago. Will they get better? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Ear numbness following facelift

Answer: Ear numbness following facelift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Strange feelings on ear after face lift 7 months ago. Will they get better? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Ear numbness following facelift

Answer: Ear numbness following facelift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.