Extensive numbness 2 1/2 years after facelift- any hope of recovering sensation? Can auricular nerve damage ever be repaired?

Question

I live in the UK & did serious research to find the right surgeon.The person I chose was, at the time, the president of the Brit Assoc of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Reviews in professional literature & from patients were exceptionally positive. However, 2 1/2 years after the surgery & I still have extensive numbness: both sides of face, neck front & back, ears, behind ears, areas of scalp - surgeon said this happens in only 2% of cases & it was perhaps due to my pernicious anaemia - what????

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

it is unlikely that your numbness will recovery if it has been 2.5 years.  However, your patter of numbness if very unusual and does not correlate with the surgery.  There should be no reason for you to have numbness on your scalp, front and back of your neck.  There is something else going on here and I would consult with a neurologist for a proper neurological assessment.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most patients recovered near full sensibility to the face in about six months. Damage to the greater auricular nerve can create numbness around the ear. It should not be damaged during the facelift but if so can be surgically repaired.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This is definitely unusual. Many patients describe temporary numbness in the cheeks and possibly the ears that resolves over the first few months following surgery. Typically, if numbness is going to improve it will in the first 12-18 months following surgery. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any options to improve your numbness at this point. Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Extensive numbness 2 1/2 years after facelift- any hope of recovering sensation? Can auricular nerve damage ever be repaired?

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Extensive numbness 2 1/2 years after facelift- any hope of recovering sensation? Can auricular nerve damage ever be repaired?

Answers (3)

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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.