Are Pulling & Tightness Around Ears After Facelift Always Indicative of Nerve Damage?

The sensations you are describing are attributable to recovery of sensory nerves, known as paresthesias.  This is a totally normal process after a facelift.  The improvement in symptoms should continue over the next few months.

  The sensation of tightness should improve over the course of a year as the scars soften.  Massage can help those areas. This is not indicative of nerve damage but the scarring process.

Very sorry to hear about the uncomfortable side effects you are experiencing. It is not uncommon for any temporary nerve damage following a facelift to last 6 months to a year. In some cases, it may even last longer. If temporary nerve damage has taken place, you may feel numbness around your ears, numbness on other areas of your face, and drooping of your mouth and/or cheek. The fact that the sensations are reducing in frequency is a good sign, and they should continue to improve over time. A good way to relieve any tightness that is present (which is also normal given your post-operative time period) is with light massage. But I would only do this if you can tolerate it. I would recommend speaking with your physician for details, as he/she will be able to provide you with additional insight given your circumstances. Thank you, and best of luck with the remainder of your recovery!