Facelift 8 months ago. Have dizziness, confusion & tingling. Is this normal?

Question

Had a facelift 8 months ago. Pain, numbness, decreasing. BIG, problem is dizziness and much confusion ALL the time while awake. Forgetful of everything IMMEDIATELY, (ANXIETY ). I think right ear is the problem. Have tingling in lower legs and feet, hands. Referred to Neurologist-Wake-Forrest, WS. . She's not connecting with me - said she never had a facelift patient before. Not dull, retired from Duke Univ. No substance abuse ever. Thanks

Thomas McNemar, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm very sorry to read about your
experience; I know this must be distressing for you. At 8 months after surgery,
these symptoms may be related to your facelift, or they may well be independent
of any complications from the procedure. As other doctors have recommended,
please see another neurologist or an ENT doctor to get to the bottom of your
symptoms. I'm surprised and disappointed that your original neurologist didn't
examine your concerns deeper. I wish you luck in your search for answers and a
speedy resolution to your symptoms.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I too am sorry and distressed to hear of your ongoing problems. They are definitely NOT normal. Yet, having said that, and understanding that facelift recovery can take a full 6-12 months, I also understand why you have connected the two things (facelift surgery and your dizziness, confusion, and extremity tingling) as possible cause and effect. I doubt they are related at all, but your symptoms clearly require additional evaluation.I also agree you need to be seen at a major multidisciplinary center, probably starting with a (different) neurologist, who can tell you if an ENT eval is also indicated. At least the first neurologist was truthful, though shallow in accepting your presumed cause and effect. Evaluate first, then decide on a course of testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Try again, please, but concentrate on your symptoms, duration, and severity, not what you have tentatively considered to be the proximal event, as it will likely turn out to be irrelevant and only coincidental. Anesthesia could also have been part of the issue, if timing of symptoms was close to your surgery.I wish you well and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing issues. These symptoms are indicative of a neurological problem -- particularly the memory problem. This certainly requires attention, and a neurologist is a good place to start. It seems like you may need a second opinion, and perhaps an MRI of the brain. Take care and best wishes.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.  I'm sorry this is happening to you.  In all likelihood, this is not directly related to your facelift.  Like others have said on the board, this is likely an inner ear issue.  I recommend visiting with a local ENT who may assist with the evaluation.  Best of luck!

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Very sorry to hear about the issues you are currently having.  It is very likely that you have some organic or metabolic reason for the dizziness, but very unlikely to be related to your facelift.  You may want to start with a Neurologist, because although some of your symptoms may be otologic, the tingling in the lower legs and feet is a separate process. Good luck.

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Answers (9)

Answer: Facelift with Dizziness and Confusion

Answer: Facelift with Dizziness and Confusion

Answer: 8 Months Postop

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