I can't feel my right ear after facelift. Is that normal?

Question

My surgery was 18 days ago & included an upper and lower eye lid lift. Do I need a face lift revision (I am not satisfied with the result)?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

It is relatively common to experience numbness in the ear after facelift surgery depending on the technique used, and in my experience will always recover, usually within a few months.   Your scars in front of the ears are still very fresh, and although very visible, should fade with time. Moving the scars to the edge of your tragus and ear margin can make them less visible if they remain troublesome over time. The asymmetry of your eyes is probably just due to swelling. It is much too early to consider revision...you need to wait a couple of months to fully evaluate the results.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not unusual for the ear to be numb for the first two weeks after surgery, especially because incisions are usually made underneath the ear to ensure that they are hidden after the healing process. Please follow your surgeon's recovery guidelines and find comfort knowing that patients experience the most swelling and bruising during the first two weeks after surgery. Always consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.Best wishes,

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There can be some temporary numbness to the ear after a facelift. In most cases, this will gradually resolve over time, but it can take several months.  Seeing as how your facelift was done 2 1/2 weeks ago, it is too early to make any judgement on your results.  It will take several months for the healing to occur before you will get a better idea of your true appearance.  Based on your photos, I would say you appear to be healing very well at this point in time.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Inna MThank you for your question and photos!  The healing from your surgery takes 3 to 6 months minimum and there will be a lot of changes.  Please follow up with your surgeon with your concerns.With Warm RegardsTrevor M born MD

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns. Based on your photos you still have a lot of swelling, which is normal. At 18 days following surgery your are still in the early stages of healing. Try to remain patient during this time, as you will see a lot of changes over the following weeks and months. During this time, follow up regularly with your surgeon to express your concerns. Best of luck!

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

A numb ear after facelift is relatively common and it will improve over time. The greater auricular nerve branches give sensation to the ear and the area around it. Frequently the nerve is stretched and occasionally cut during a facelift. The good news is that the sensation will improve over time. Some say it takes 6 months to a year. Everyone is different.It's important to keep all of your follow-up appointments, so your surgeon can keep you on course for a good result. The surgery was just the first step. Healing well is equally important.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Numbness improves with time.It is concerning that only one ear is numb, but even that can recover a lot in the next few months.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Hi – thank you for your question. The numbness in your ear is one of the most
common side effects of nerve damage from a face lift, along with numbness of
the face, difficulty in making certain facial expressions, and drooping of
either the mouth or cheek.  Fortunately,
the most temporary nerve damage that occurs from a facelift will be resolved
within six to twelve months.  Typically,
such nerve damage is forgiving, and most patients have a complete recovery. Nerve damage manifests at
for at least a year after the procedure. 
Do hold off for any other surgery for up to a year after the original
procedure.  To lessen the chances of
nerve damage, do your research and go to a reputable and board certified
surgeon.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point, is is too early to judge the results. The numbness may take some time to resolve. Keep follwoing up with your surgeon.

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

Way too early to think about secondary surgery.  Still a lot of swelling present.  You really need to give it at least 6 weeks to determine how you feel about the procedure.  If your left ear is "numb" however that can be a sign of damage to a sensory or feeling nerve called the greater auricular.  It is easily damaged in face lift surgery.

I can't feel my right ear after facelift. Is that normal?

Answers (12)

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