Numbness on face areas after SMAS facelift- can this be permanent?

Facial numbness recovers within 6-12 months for most individuals. I have seen a couple of patients who recover a bit more sensation in the second year after facelift surgery, but this is quite rare. Thus, what you feel (or don't feel) now is likely pretty much where you will be long-term. Sorry.But swelling is definitely not normal at this point, and your surgeon (or a second opinion from an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon) should address this. Fluid or blood should be reabsorbed by now, but a persistently-filled salivary cyst is a (rare) possibility, or more likely, a collection of scar tissue. The latter can be softened and flattened by conservative and judicious steroid injections. I'm sorry your surgeon seems to be avoiding a direct answer. Perhaps you do need a second opinion from an unbiased source. Your surgery has indeed caused permanent changes, but your "new normal" can be improved and will continue to change as you continue to mature (we're all just in various stages of youthfulness, aren't we?) Good luck and best wishes! Dr. Tholen

I'm sorry to hear about this. Sometimes, sensation can take up to two years to return fully. You may want to wait it out, or talk to your surgeon about this.

From the stand point of the numbness, it still may improve slightly over the next 12 months. The right sided persistent swelling is not normal. If you cannot obtain a satisfactory explanation from your surgeon I suggest you obtain a 2nd opinion.

Thanks for sharing your question.Numbness after surgery is normal with return to normal sensation at variable time intervals.  Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, you may not see much improvement at this point. However in some cases it takes 18 months for sensation to return.Mild decrease in sensation is common early after surgery, but this usually improves. When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater. Massage and other non-surgical measures may help.With respect to swelling on one side vs. the other it could be due to a number of factors.  I recommend follow up in person with your plastic surgeon to discuss these concerns.

Since it's been over a year since your facelift and the sensation is still decreased, I don't know if you'll see much improvement at this point.  Some decreased sensation is common shortly after surgery, but this usually improves gradually over time.  When extensive undermining is performed this sensation loss may be greater.  There's no surgical correction, but massage and other non-surgical measures may help.  Not sure why your right side is still swollen- could it be trapped fluid, such as a chronic seroma or saliva collection?  Draining this would help your asymmetry and perhaps improve sensation.

There is always some numbness usually in front of and behind the ear immediately after facelift surgery.  Sensation usually returns gradually over the next year but frequently small areas  in the cheek or behind the year can be permanently numb.  Please ask your plastic surgeon directly.