5 Months After Facelift, What Could Cause Numb Feeling to Come & Go?

Question

Sometimes I could swear the area of numbness in front of both ears is completely gone; at other times it feels numb again. What could cause this variability in sensation? Also I've noticed itching and tingling in areas around my ears that were never numb to begin with -- is this related to nerve regrowth in places that were originally numb even though not in the exact location as the paresthesias? Thanks so much for your help!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Selling is very difficult to understand other than that after surgical swelling subsides, your activity can cause some of it to come back.  Thus as you heal, swelling is leaving until you overuse the area, and some can return.  Thus, you have to pay attention to what makes you swell, and what you can do to reduce the inflammation. I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tingling around the ears after mini facelift at 5 months is a sign that things are still regenerating.  Kenneth Hughes, MD HughesPlasticSurgery Los Angeles, CA

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

As the nerves "wake up" after facelift patients will notice that the face goes from feeling numb to feeling more normal, but certainly in the 1 month to 2 year time frame over which this happens there will be periods where the sensation fluctuates.  Short answer, this is normal and should fix itself over time.

5 Months After Facelift, What Could Cause Numb Feeling to Come & Go?

Answers (9)

Answer: Tingling Around Ears after Facelift

Answer: Tingling Around Ears after Facelift

Answer: Transient numbness of the face after facelift

Answer: Transient numbness of the face after facelift

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5 Months After Facelift, What Could Cause Numb Feeling to Come & Go?

Answers (9)

Answer: Tingling Around Ears after Facelift

Answer: Tingling Around Ears after Facelift

Answer: Transient numbness of the face after facelift

Answer: Transient numbness of the face after facelift

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Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

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