Does Ear Lobe Numbness After Mini-lift Always Indicate Permanent Damage to Greater Auricular Nerve?

Question

Both earlobes and surrounding skin are numb 10 weeks after mini-facelift. My board certified ps says sensation likely will return. Information on this site is conflicting as to whether ear lobe numbness indicates permanent damage or not. What is your opinion? Are there any definitive tests a neurologist can perform? Thanks so much for your time.

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.   That nerve is the most common - however, it is usually just neuropraxia with the sensation returning over weeks to months.  Only time will tell - but followup closely with your surgeon.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!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Numbness or muscle weakness following a #facelift is not uncommon.  When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during #surgery, small sensory nerves are cut. Varying degrees of #numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle #weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Numbness of earlobes is usually temporary and will resolve in a few months.  Permanent numbness is more unusual.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Manu Gujrati, MD · Answer

The thing to realize about the healing process from facial surgery is that the nerves of sensation are the SLOWEST to heal. Skin, muscle and blood vessels all heal fairly quickly (usually within 6 weeks), but all patients will continue to note numbness and differences in the sensation in the skin for much longer. The great news is that sensory nerves (the ones in charge of feeling on the skin) are almost always good at healing, eventually with time. Whether from a browlift, hair transplant, facelift or other procedure, it can easily take 3-6 months for a normal level of feeling to return in the area covered by a specific sensory nerve.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

This is very common after a facelift and is usually due to the skin dissection and removal around the ear. As long as the numbness is improving, it will get better and can eke up to 6m to get 100% better.

Does Ear Lobe Numbness After Mini-lift Always Indicate Permanent Damage to Greater Auricular Nerve?

Answers (10)

Answer: Numbness and Nerve Injury

Answer: Numbness and Nerve Injury

Answer: Ear numbness after facelift

Answer: Ear numbness after facelift

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Does Ear Lobe Numbness After Mini-lift Always Indicate Permanent Damage to Greater Auricular Nerve?

Answers (10)

Answer: Numbness and Nerve Injury

Answer: Numbness and Nerve Injury

Answer: Ear numbness after facelift

Answer: Ear numbness after facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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