Why my ears are so stiff and sticking out after after facelift?

Question

5 weeks after facelift my ears look bigger, sticking out and I feel as the are not part of my head. I move I feel them and they are not flexible as used to be. They feel as I have two wooden ears attached to my head. My doctor says I can't sleep on them yet and it will takes 18 months to fully recover? What is wrong?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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. As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. 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.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Numbness and swelling following facelift will subside over several month. If you have decreased sensation especially around the your ears, this numbness, which will last 6-8 months, can also make the skin feel tight. All of this will improve as healing progresses. Good luck with your healing

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Having issues with your ears after a facelift is not unusual and these issues should resolve over time, usually in the first several months, but things can take up to year to completely normalize.Andrew Campbell, M.D.

Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is typical for patients to sleep with your head elevated for two weeks after the procedure, but you should follow your surgeon's recommendation. You are in the very early stages of the recovery and should not judge your results for months. I suggest that you continue to follow the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Remain patient and rest assured that your experience is not atypical.Best wishes,

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

HiWithout pictures or an exam its hard to be 100% but.....This sounds very normal. The incision behind the ear often leads to temporary numbness. This makes the ears feels larger and stiff! The edema behind the ears can also make them stick out. I don't think it will take 18 months but you should see real improvement over the next 4-6 months for sure. Continue with your follow up and rest assured that likely will return to normal!

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

What you are going through is a normal part of recovery after a facelift.  There are incisions around the ear so you are still healing in that area.  Be patient and continue to follow up with your surgeon.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing sounds completely normal. The discomfort in your ears is due to the fact that your face is still healing and swollen. In all honestly, it should begin to improve over the next couple of weeks, but yes, it can take up to a year for all to fully resolve and for you to see your final results. Be patient and kind to yourself as your body continues to heal.Kindly,Kouros Azar

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Ear tenderness can occur following facelift but will usually subside after one to three months. I recommend that you post a photo if you are concerned about the shape and size of them.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and I would imagine your incisions are probably around the ears and consequently it makes them feel strange.  This will resolve but express your concerns to your surgeonDr Corbin

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your concerns are very common during the first 3-4 weeks after facelift surgery.  Keeping her head elevated to encourage swelling to decrease and warm soaks can be helpful.  This is very common I expect that he will improve significantly over the next few weeks.  Be sure to follow closely for exams by her plastic surgeon.

Why my ears are so stiff and sticking out after after facelift?

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Answers (10)

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