My Ear is Detaching After Facelift is This Common?

Question

Following a facelift my ear became detached for about a quarter of an inch at the bottom at day 12. I went back to the surgeon who said to leave it alone and it did right itself but how common is that?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

One of the ways to create a natural curvature the earlobe is to leave the bottom in sutured to the cheek skin. When this heals over a week or so a normal lobe forms.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

In a recent study 65% of patients had some ear related issue after facelift surgery but almost all resolve in time, so its very common

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Blueashworth,

	
		I agree with the other surgeons and this will heal well
	
		If there are any issues, it is very easy to correct in the office
	
		There is nothing that should be done now other than local care for the wound


	Best,

	Nima Shemirani

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

No it's not common but it will heal fine on its own. Not to worry. If left alone it might take a week or two for it to heal.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

This is fairly common and generally not a problem.  Many surgeons, including myself, will not suture the earlobes really tightly to avoid a "pixie ear" deformity.

Carey Nease, MD · Answer

This is seen every once in a while in my practice and should not be a problem. Your surgeon did the right thing (nothing) and I would expect your aesthetic result to be as good as if it never happened.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Undoubtedly you surgeon had earlobe supported with suture. Low grade infection or other mechanical issues can delay healing. Sewing this back together at this point can be ok or it can lead to a focal incision infection. For this reason it is often best to allow these to heal on their own. If a repair is necessary, it can be done once things have healed more. In many cases the area heals well on its own without additional work.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Blueashworth,

	thank  you for your post.  This is not common, but not unheard of.  With the seperation of the lobe from the face skin, there will be a contraction that occurs (i.e. the 1/4 inch separation will grow smaller with time) but there will probably be a thicker scar in this area.  This can be revised once it is healed.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo PRichard, MD

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not common for the ear lobe to separate from the face after a facelift, but it can happen. Follow your Plastic Surgeon's post operative instructions. If needed, he may have to do a minor revision surgery under local in an office setting. Best wishes for a fast recovery!

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

Thank you for your question.  Fortunately your surgeon most likely secured the ear to the face with deep sutures and the opening below the year closed by itself with healing. 

	Detachment of the ear following facelift can occur but is relatively unusual.  The important point is that your surgeon handled this issue properly and you did heal.  In over 30 years I have never seen an ear detachment after facelift that required re-suturing or corrective surgery severe experience is normal.

My Ear is Detaching After Facelift is This Common?

Answers (10)