Is severe ear pain after a full face and neck lift common?

Question

I had surgery 14 days ago l woke with deaf ears and inner pain in one ear. l have regained hearing in one ear. The ear pain l have in the deaf ear is excruciating I have seen a Dr who cannot see past a blockage of wax inside but has given me antibiotics in case of infection underneath that and drops to soften the wax. The ear is very swollen and l also have pain and burning sensation on the lobe. I have to revisit Dr in 2 weeks to revaluate. I’m worried there is some sort of damage

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

In all likelihood the cause of your ear pain is the cerumen impaction compounded by post surgical swelling of the ear canal.  The best way to diagnose the issue is to have the wax removed as soon as possible so that the entire ear canal and ear drum can be visualized.  Ask your surgeon to recommend and otolaryngologist in your area to be seen sooner than two weeks.  Best of luck.

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

Hi Thene,Thanks for sharing your question with us,After a Facelift, it is possible that any surrounding areas on the face or head can be affected. As you mentioned your ears your surgeon will be able to asses the area for you, and advise you further.Every patient heals differently, some patients will not experience intense symptoms, while others may experience symptoms at different stages in the healing process. Keep in mind that your surgeon is available for you to express any concerns or discomfort you may be having after a facelift.Book your follow up, this will give you a chance to discuss your healing process.All the best

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Severe pain of any kind, including ear pain , is not common after a facelift. You mention that one ear was blocked with wax. You may have gotten blood and fluid into the ear canals and it is being maintained by the wax. Removal of the wax and irrigation of the canal may help. External ear pain, such as pain in the lobe etc, may be due to trauma to the sensory nerve to the ear. This usually resolves fairly rapidly, however may occasionally take months to resolve.

Jack Zoumaras, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

There are a number of nerves that supply the ear and in particular one Great Auricular nerve that is always seen during a facelift. It is not uncommon for the nerve to sustain a traction injury from swelling and retraction that can cause pain. The most important thing is to rule out increased swelling, discharge from the affected side. As the Plastic Surgeon I would like to know what it looked like to rule out a haematoma. If there is no haematoma then the cause of pain should subside in the coming days. In any case get in touch with your surgeon.

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

It is important to follow up with the surgeon and have an assessment of the ears.  An ear infection after surgery could be potentially dangerous and you would not want to let things progress that far.  A surgeon could clear the ear wax.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Severe ear pain after a full face and neck lift is likely due to the blockage of wax and the post surgical swelling of the ear canal. You may have to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor to check on you and give proper medication and have your ear wax removed.

Lori L. Cherup, MD · Answer

You need to address this with your surgeon, and he ,may need to refer you to an ENT doc. Severe ear pain can be due to a stitch near the great auricular nerve, infection, and an occluded ear canal. Blood may be in your ear. Most surgeons try to irrigate out the ear before the dressing, and use cotton balls during surgery to prevent the canal occlusion. Get back to your surgeon. 
Lori L. Cherup MD.FACS

Adam Goodwin, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

so nerve entrapment and scar is extremely common after facelift surgery. Especially in the early phase, what you describe happens in more than 50%of cases in my experience. Allow things to settle over the next 3 months and I amsure things will improve for you.Hope that helps.Adam Goodwin

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Ear pain after facelift could be of many causes. The fact that one ear is "deaf" is probably due to some blood in the ear canal.It is time to see an Ear Nose and Throat doctor. The ear canal can be cleaned of blood and wax. At the same time the ENT can examine the ear and may reach a diagnosis and cause for the pain.The pain could also be caused by nerve injury to the GREATER AURICULAR NERVE.

Is severe ear pain after a full face and neck lift common?

Answers (9)

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