Does numbness and a rubbery-ear feeling 18 months after a Facelift indicate nerve damage?

Question

I had a face lift about 18 months ago. On one side, there still seems to be some numbness along the outside of my face, my ear still feels a little rubbery, and afeeling of "puffiness", although I have no issue with muscle movement and my appearance look completely normal. Is this an indicator of nerve damage? Could it eventually get better, or is this how it will be from now on?

Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

All facelifting causes numbness. When cutting the skin we have to cut through sensory nerve branches. Most of the time these regrow and the numbness improves. This usually takes 2-3 months but may take longer. I am afraid at 18 months it is very unlikely that the feeling will return. It is preferrable in facelifting to dissect meticulously around the greater auricular nerve at the back of the ear to maintain good sensation. In facial tumour surgery sometimes this needs to be sacrificed but in facial cosmetic surgery it is imperative. This nerve is purely a sensory nerve but it is funny how most of us don't realise how useful ear sensation is until it is is numb!Good luck!

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

A small percentage of patients can get long-term numbness as you are describing. It is related to the great auricular nerve. At this point, it may not resolve, unfortunately.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Some patients do complain of very protracted numbness around the years after a facelift. Small cutaneous nerves are always injured with this operation but generally recover. The greater auricular nerve is a different story and if damage should be repaired.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

This area may represent numbness secondary to the operation but only an exam will tell.  If this is the case then at 18 months it is unlikely the you will recovery normal sensation.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Does numbness and a rubbery-ear feeling 18 months after a Facelift indicate nerve damage?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness after Facelift

Answer: Numbness after Facelift

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Does numbness and a rubbery-ear feeling 18 months after a Facelift indicate nerve damage?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness after Facelift

Answer: Numbness after Facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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