How can I treat itchy skin behind ears 12 months post mini facelift?

Question

I am 12 months out from having a mini face lift. The skin behind my ears continues to be very itchy. What can I do to resolve the itchiness?

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

Thank you for your question.  It is surprising it is still itchy 12 months post op.  Please ensure you are moisturising morning and evening to keep the scar hydrated.  If this continues it would be worth chatting to your surgeon to see if a steroid injection would help.  All The Best

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

It is very unusual for minilift scars to still be itchy after 12 months, so I would recommend seeing your surgeon and consider a small steroid injection. That will usually either improve or eliminate the itching. You can also try over the counter steroid creams and antihistamines. The itching should eventually resolve.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

smarttalker Sorry to hear you are having this issue, and sometimes scar tissue can be very dry and moisturizers twice a day alleviate the dryness and itchiness. It is surprising to have this condition one year after surgery as the scars should be pretty much completely matured. If the moisturizer does not work, check in with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I'd first have your surgeon take a look. It could be the scar itself is causing the irritation, or it could be a sensory nerve that is flaring up, or could truly be coming from the skin itself. There are likely a few easy treatments for it. Best wishes

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Itchiness in the early postoperative period is not uncommon as there is nerve regrowth with associated temporary dysthesia. This usually abates after the scars mature and nerve regeneration occurs. If the scars are still thick and red, you may be experiencing hypertrophic scarring which can be quite itchy. If the scars are healing well, it could be skin dryness due to temporary denervation, but this should have resolved by this time. 
It may be wise to revisit your plastic surgeon for reevaluation and advice.
Best wishes...

Leon Goldstein, MD · Answer

Scars can sometimes remain dry for extended period of time after surgery.  Recommend moisturizing at least 2x/day and massaging the scars. If no improvement after 2-3 weeks please see your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) to evaluate other concerns such as hypertrophic scarring.

How can I treat itchy skin behind ears 12 months post mini facelift?

Answers (6)

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