What causes ringing in the ears after having facelift surgery?

Question

I see numerous complaints from patients about ringing in their ears after face lift surgery. Too numerous for it to be a coincidence but most doctors point to ear nose and throat issues as a possible cause but it is never discussed if the patient had ear nose and throat problems prior to face lift surgery. So what could possibly cause ringing in the ears after face lift surgery other than Ear Nose and Throat issues? Are any nerves being severed that could result in ringing in the ears?

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not a common feature of facelift surgery in my experience, so I would recommend you discuss it with your surgical team.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for inquiring.  True ringing of the ear or "tinnitus" comes from the "inner ear" and would not be physucally from the facelift procedure itself.  It can be caused by medications or even stress.  The facelift procedure can leave fluid in the outer ear that can cause hearing obstruction.  Have your doctor look in your ear canal to make sure.  If there is any associated hearing loss or dizziness this may point to an inner ear dysfunction as well.

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is definitely not a coincidence that many patients complain of the ringing in the ears after a facelift.  Many patients also complaint of the muffled sound and difficulty hearing especially when they talk on the phone.  Fortunately, all these issues are temporary and they are not related to the problems with the nerves.  Most of these symptoms appear with a particular type of facelift incision that is located very close to the ear canal (called retrotragal incision).  The swelling, that often develops around the incision, can cause the narrowing of the canal and will affect one's hearing and possibly cause ringing.  All these problems typically get resolved within two to tree weeks after a facelift once the swelling goes down.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say that the most likely cause of ringing in the ears after facelift surgery would be due to blood that collects in the ear canal during the procedure.  The blood can clot and cause a temporary decrease in hearing, which can produce ringing.  This issue normally resolves fairly quickly.

Craig R. Dufresne, MD · Answer

The basic technique for carrying out facelift surgery will not sever any nerves that would cause ringing in the ears (or tinnitus). This is associated with diseases of the middle ear. The inner ear and central auditory apparatus. Some medications can also cause it, but surgery should not.

What causes ringing in the ears after having facelift surgery?

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Answer: What causes ringing in the ears after facelift surgery?

Answer: What causes ringing in the ears after facelift surgery?

Answer: Ringing in the ears

Answer: Ringing in the ears

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What causes ringing in the ears after having facelift surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: What causes ringing in the ears after facelift surgery?

Answer: What causes ringing in the ears after facelift surgery?

Answer: Ringing in the ears

Answer: Ringing in the ears

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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.