I am one month post op. From face lift. My right ear is still noticeably bigger than it was before surgery.

Question

My ear was huge the first week and has gone down quit a bit. But is still bigger than it once was and noticeably bigger than the left . Will it ever go back to its original size. I Use to wear my hair pulled back all the time, but now I look rediculaus. I'm very upset. I compared with before pictures. It also sticks out more.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. It's not uncommon to experience swelling after a facelift. I'd recommend booking a follow-up appointment with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns. Take care.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is very unusual to experience ear swelling after a facelift.  Could you give any details about the procedure performed or could you supply photos?

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

It is possible for the ear to look bigger after a facelift, but for a rather short time.  If there is some swelling of the ear structure, it will typically subside within a month or two.  On the other hand, the orientation and prominence of the ear typically does not change with a facelift.  Careful evaluation of the before/after photos done 3-6 months postop will reveal that the ear orientation has not changed.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

While one month may seem like a long period of healing after a facelift, you are still early in the process and need to give things time. It is very common for the ear lobes to swell with facelift surgery and this is one of the last ares for swelling to dissipate. Stay in close contact with your surgeon, be patient and I do expect that this would improve over time.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are so frustrated, but you are still in the infancy of your healing. It can take anywhere from 3-6 months for the swelling to completely subside. So, for now, be patient. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I very much would like to see a picture.I can't imagine how a facelift would change the size or projection of an ear. More than likely this is due to swelling but it would be interesting to see what you're talking about.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after your faceliftthere is a lot of
healing and changes that occur during the  weeks after surgery,
 bruising , swelling  discoloration,  numbness,  lumps and
bumps   all need time to settle, ice usually helps 
your doctor will see you and make sure nothing bad is happening

Stephen H. Fink, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Asymmetric swelling of the earlobes is sometimes seen after facelift surgery. The fact that it is improving suggest it may only be temporary.  The cartilage  portion of the ears does not change but earlobes can stretch or change shape depending on how they are reattached. Once the swelling  resolves, it can be reassessed. Typically I would wait up to 6 months to permit the scars to soften and the lobes  to settle before making any adjustments.

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

After a face lift there is swelling and because the earlobe is really close to the incision and where work is done to lift the tissues is normal to see an increase in the size of the earlobe. There are many factors that can make the earlobes look different among them, but you need to wait for the swelling to go away that in most of the times may take 6 months, then at that time you can see the final results and check with your surgeon if there is an asymmetry what can be done to correct that.

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. I would be interested to see photos of your ears for comparison sake. At one month you may still have some post-operative swelling. Try not to become discouraged--you are still healing. Be sure to follow-up regularly with your surgeon to address your concerns. If your ear does, in fact, remain asymmetric, there are procedures to tuck your ear back to a normal position. Good luck!

I am one month post op. From face lift. My right ear is still noticeably bigger than it was before surgery.

Answers (18)

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