Will I get back full feeling to my ear after a full Facelift?

Question

a week and a half a go I had a full facelift, my right ear is numb with the exception of the tip. Would I get back full feeling to the rest of the ear?.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most patients will state that it takes about six months for their faces to feel back to normal relative to sensibility after a facelift.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear you are experiencing an issue following your facelift. 1.5 weeks is still soon after your procedure. In general, the side effects of a facelift may include:1) Swelling2) Firmness3) Bleeding4) Numbness5) Bruising6) Nerve injury that is temporary but sometimes permanentTemporary nerve damage can last 8-12 months following a facelift, and sometimes longer depending on the patient. I would recommend following up with your surgeon, as he/she will be able to advise you. Thank you and good luck.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Numbness and tingling after facelift may last for months, but usually returns to normal. Be patient and follow up with your surgeon to express your concerns.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Traction on the great auricular nerve during surgery can cause temporary loss of sensation in the lower portion of the ear after a facelift. Sensation typically returns however it can take 6-12 months and the full sensation may not return.

John Frodel, MD · Answer

I inform my patients before facelifts that they will likely have ear and even some cheek numbness for 3-6 months, sometime longer, after surgery.  So don't worry, while it's annoying, it is going to get better.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Typically, earlobe numbness following facelift surgery resolves over a number of months. It is possible the the Great Auricular nerve which is responsible for earlobe sensation can be injured during the neck lift portion of a facelift which could cause permanent numbness.

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is very common to have numbness in the cheeks, ears and neck areas following facial rejuvenation surgery. The skin is numb from being lifted from the underlying tissues and the ears can be numb from swelling or sutures temporarily injuring the nerves that come up the neck into the ears. as the swelling resolves and the nerves recover the feeling gradually returns. In most cases the nerves are back to normal in months. Some rare patients have numbness for longer but usually no longer than a year. Be patient and be sure to express your concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes and enjoy your result.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

The Great Auricular nerve supplies sensation to the lower 2/3 of the ear. This nerve travels on the side your neck and as it travels over the sternocliedomastoid muscle it is very close to the skin and can be injured at this spot, especially in thin patients with very little facial fat. If sensation does not return in the next month or so it may need to be explored and repaired if you so desire.

Mark Edinburg, MBBCH, FRACS (retired) · Answer

Hello BobbyMI am always concerned when questions like this appear on these sites.Why are you posting this question on this site, and  not communicating your concerns with your Plastic Surgeon? After all,you trusted him enough to do your surgery.In my practice, I make sure that patients know they can contact me for any questions or concerns. Part of the decision to choose a surgeon depends on having a trust relationship, does it not? This question can be dealt with by your Plastic Surgeon- he has many years of skill and expertise. To give you a guide-usually it is just a question of time for this numbness to settle down. Speak to your Surgeon- he is the only one who knows exactly what went on in your surgery, and is your best expert.I wish you well with your recovery.

Will I get back full feeling to my ear after a full Facelift?

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Answers (9)

More Facelift Questions

Sagging of the neck 11 months after SMAS facelift (includes the lateral face and jawline) (photo)

I want a full face as mine is sunken in and I look like a skeleton. How can I achieve this? (photo)

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WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS