Post Facelift, 70 female experiencing severe pain in right ear, burning around neck/head and dizziness When should it pass?

Question

My mother had a facelift to lower face and neck. Sh is 70 she is experiencing severe pain in her right ear, burning around her neck and head and keeps feeling dizzy likes she is going to pass out. She has been to A&E they have carried out all the usual tests etc with the results being clear, is this normal? Will it pass soon?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's impossible to diagnose your mother with only the history provided. The greater auricular nerve could have been damaged which can create significant your pain. There are other potential possibilities and these should be explored by her surgeon.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear Potty,
thank you for your question.  Swelling
after a facelift may persists from weeks to months, causing bumps or asymmetries
to appear, as well as numbness or discomfort.  In San Diego, we monitor our
patients closely for one year to address any issues.  Follow up with your surgeon to check if this
is swelling versus something else and if treatment is indicated. Best of Luck.

Donn M. Hickman, MD · Answer

Hello:These are certainly questions for the plastic surgeon who I am sure can provide remedies and reassurance for this issue.  On rare occasion the nerve endings under the ear can be irritated by the lift ,suturing, and swelling. While these generally pass in time, one can apply witch hazel or rubbing alcohol 70% 3 x per time and rub the ear and neck briskly-- with permission from the surgeon. Some light cortisone and long acting local anesthetic can be introduced at the base of the ear to take the peak of the soreness out.  If there is a  little retained dry blood in the ear canal, this can cause an otitis and the entire ear can be sore. Often what you describe are the annoying inconveniences of healing that can occur from any facial surgery by any qualified and experienced surgeon.  If the ear canal is blocked this the irritation may extend to the inner ear where balance is involved.  Dizziness without loss of consciousness or slurred speech plus all your complaints can can be the simple result of dried blood otitis   Have the ears checked as well.   While exceedingly rare, I am sure it is frustrating and upsetting as you may be trying the enjoy the results of the operation. Once underway, this type of problem can take a while to go away with such a number of associated symptoms.

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

Is important that your mother be examined by the plastic surgeon.Your pain can occur after a facelift due to irritation of the greater auricular nerve, but I would expect this to occur on both sides.One concern is whether or not the right ear canal is blocked by blood and debris which entered the ear during the facelift.  If this is present it could cause an otitis externa or infection and possibly if the infection extends to the middle ear dizziness and balance problems.Your plastic surgeon needs to examine the ear with an otoscope and see if there is any material left in the ear canal.

Post Facelift, 70 female experiencing severe pain in right ear, burning around neck/head and dizziness When should it pass?

Answers (4)

Answer: See your plastic surgeon immediately for ear pain and dizziness after facelift

Answer: See your plastic surgeon immediately for ear pain and dizziness after facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Post Facelift, 70 female experiencing severe pain in right ear, burning around neck/head and dizziness When should it pass?

Answers (4)

Answer: See your plastic surgeon immediately for ear pain and dizziness after facelift

Answer: See your plastic surgeon immediately for ear pain and dizziness after facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.