How long does the numbness last around your ears and under your chin after a lower facelift?

Question

Still very numb

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Lilysmom65, thanks for your question! This is a very common complaint after a facelift surgery.  During a facelift procedure, some of the facial nerves are injured and cause numbness/tingling around the face, chin, and neck.  The sensation may take anywhere between 3-6 months to fully return.  I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon for more information. Hope this helps!

Brian E. Rosett, MD · Answer

Generally the numbness associated with a facelift begins to improve around the 3month time frame and goes anywhere to 12-18months before sensation has returned.  Generally an itchy feeling is associated with the nerve regrowth.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,This is a normal thing after facelift and should start to return over several weeks after surgery. For some patients this can take 3-6 months to return. The majority of patients see a return by 6 months. Be sure to keep follow-up with your surgeon so he/she can follow it. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

The numbness you describe is expected after a facelift. Assuming that no nerve injury occurred during the procedure, most patient's numbness resolves in about 2-3 months. Some take longer, up to 6-12 months. Very few have areas of permanent numbness. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Some areas of reduced sensation in front of and around the ears are quite common after facelift. This generally resolves over 6 months or so, but can be permanent in some cases. Typically when your sensation is returning, you will feel some tingling, pins/needles, or even itching. Best of luck!

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Changes in sensation can be quite common after facelift. It can take up to 18 months for this numbness to resolve. In rare cases the numbness is permanent; in most cases sensation completely returns. Best of luck.

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. For the majority of my patients, the numbness resolves in those areas within 4-6 weeks; however, less frequently it may take 6-12 months for resolution. Good luck!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sensation can return after 3-6 months. Once the nerves start to heal the area may feel slightly itchy.  All The Best

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Typically, sensation will return over 6-12 months.  The recovery of sensation is usually heralded by strange sensation  known as paresthesias.  Sometimes recovery is incomplete, but this is in a small minority of patients.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It typically the numbness around the ears last anywhere from 3-4 months.  That being said you should start to feel "tingling" and increase of sensation during this time.  In some cases it can take longer than this, even up to 1 year.  I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon as only he's/she noticed exactly what occurred during your surgery.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

How long does the numbness last around your ears and under your chin after a lower facelift?

Answers (16)

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