I had a facelift 10 months ago. My left ear still feels like it's clogged and seems to have gotten worse over time.

Question

I recently visited an ENT and will be undergoing extensive tests to determine the cause of this. In your opinion, what might be a reason for this happening in left ear? Is it possible that this could be corrected or become permanent ?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It was a good idea to see an ENT.  It is unlikely that a facelift can result in hearing loss other than some blood in the ear canal that can obstruct the transmission of sound.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear hille2,I would suggest waiting for the results of your tests with the ENT before having considerable concerns about these symptoms. Also, consult your board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed your facelift procedure as the surgeon may recommend some anti-inflammatory medications or be able to provide insights. You should always schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon after surgery.Sincerely,Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It's good you're seeing an ENT, but it's hard to give you any good info without seeing you first.  However, it might take several months for swelling to go down after a facelift if this is what's causing your hearing problems.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Clogging of ear Is uncommon.  It would happen most likely from accumulation of any blood from the incisions made around the ear.  If the ear canal is clean then they can be several other reasons for ear clogging.1.  Trauma to the sensory nerves around the ear which can give a false sense of fullness and can take a long time to go away.  It can take up to 18 months to get better.2.  TMJ pain and irritation can also lead to a sensation of fullness in the ear.3.  Rarely inner ear issues such as Ménière's disease or an acoustic neuroma can also give a sensation of ear fullness.  This would require workup including audiogram, video nystagmogram and in some cases MRI of the internal auditory canal.RegardsDr. J

Paul E. Goco, MD · Answer

Hille2Sorry for your clogged ear after your surgery.  As you can see from the other responses, it is not a common finding after 10 months.  Seeing your ENT is the correct step to take as they can determine if it is something like dried material in your ear canal or ear drum.  Your ENT should look with a microscope to see if there is any material on the ear drum causing the clogged sensation.  It is important to relate if your hearing has diminished due to the clogged sensation.  Best of luck

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Sometimes debris can accumulate in the external auditory canal after a facelift. This is treated by cleaning. Your problem sounds more complex and I don't really have an explanation. I think a workup by your ENT is a good idea.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for question, hard to know if this is a nerve related issue from surgery itself or a totally different thing that is originating from within the ear itself, sounds like you are on the correct track

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Going to the ENT is a very good step on your part. Also get your plastic/facial plastic surgeon involved. It is unusual to have hearing problems from a facelift. The most common reason would be to have left some type of packing in the ear canal since surgery. Obviously if this is the case it was not done in purpose, but it would have shown infection or other symptoms much earlier too. Please keep us up to date of your findings.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Jennifer Levine, MD · Answer

Seeing an ENT is a great first step. While it is unlikely that these symptoms are due to the facelift surgery, I would also recommend communicating with the plastic surgeon who performed your facelift. The surgeon will be able to further communicate with the ENT to ensure that the cause of the problem is treated properly and is unrelated to the surgical procedure.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi hille, Thank you for your question about having a clogged ear 10 months post facelift.  This is highly uncommon after a facelift and having an in-person consultation with your ENT is the correct first step.  Very best to you.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

I had a facelift 10 months ago. My left ear still feels like it's clogged and seems to have gotten worse over time.

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