Earlobes sewn to face after facelift/neck surgery. Surgeon states “nothing can be done”. Seeking other opinions. (photo)

One of the most telling signs (or stigmata) after a facelift are elongated earlobes, often called pixie or satyr ears. Unfortunately, this happens all too frequently because most surgeons do not realize or know about recently advanced techniques to avoid this stigmata. The condition can be corrected by a limited procedure, using local anesthesia, but may entail a small imperceptible scar below and posterior to the ear lobe; however, there are other less invasive techniques to bring back the "J-curve" of the earlobe but an in-office examination would need to be performed.  Additionally, in some circumstances, a modified revision mini-lift can be performed that will correct the issue and completely hide the scar, but again an in-office examination is needed to assess the laxity of your skin and underlying tissues.The attached link provides more information.I hope this helps.

Elongated ears also know as "pixie ears" after facelift are due excessive tension on skin and improper suturing of the ear lobe. It can be easily corrected with local anesthesia without the need for general anesthesia. 

The condition you are describing after your Facelift is known as "pixie ears" whereby all or the majority of the tension in the procedure was placed on the skin.  When the skin is used a the strength bearing layer, the weakest structure available is the earlobe.  The earlobe will elongate and follow the line of tension along the jawline causing a counter clockwise rotation for a relatively more horizontal position.  The best way to correct this problem is via a V-Y closure of the earlobe, or in certain cases a revision facelift where the tension is placed on the SMAS layer.

I see this all this time.  I wish I knew why so many plastic surgeons, who are supposed to be artists, think this looks okay.  It can be fixed, but requires more work than you may think.  The earlobes need to be re shaped and separated from the cheek.  This often involves rearranging the facelift at the same time.  I deal with this when I redo other surgeons' work surprisingly often.

Your earlobe position is too far down onto your neck and is correctable.  As with most things in surgery, it is best to wait 6-10 months to let the tissues fully relax and the final resting position declare itself.  While only a face to face examination would tell what would be the best option to correct  this for you, many can be corrected under local anesthesia with minimal external evidence.  As you are not getting satisfactory resolution with your current doctor, seek advice from another board certified plastic surgeon.

When performing a facelift, positioning the earlobes is one of the critical maneuvers by the surgeon. If you have unfortunate result of an earlobe deformity, this can usually be repaired one of several techniques. If your surgeon does not wish to discuss this with you, you may wish a second opinion.