Neck numbness 18 months post face and neck lift - could this develop into facial paralysis?

Question

I had a face and necklift 18 months ago. The results are awesome for my plastic surgeon did a fantastic job. However, my right side of the neck is extremely numb all the way to back of my ear. I do have feeling for thank goodness it’s not paralyzed. I have scheduled an appointment with a neurologist to see what’s going on. At this point I do believe I have permanent nerve damage. Can this numbness spread all over my face causing paralysis?

Arturo Valdez, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. The numbing sensation after facelift is very common for a period of 12 to 24 months after surgery. This type of sensation loss is due to the sensory nerves . These nerves are different from the motor nerves. Sensory nerves carry signals to your brain, to help the surface of the skin feel a touch. Motor nerves, are deeper and carry signals to your brain to tell the facial muscles to move and make facial expressions. When you have less facial sensation, don't be alarmed as this is temporary and will not evolve into facial palsy. Facelift surgery is tricky because we can inadvertently cut or, damage small branches of cutaneous sensitive nerves but, the most common reason for a loss of sensation is due to the  skin flap undermining and elevation . In 90% of patients normal sensations return. In your case, if it still feels numb, don't worry too much, as the loss of sensation is superficial and not the same as loss of motor nerve function nor will it result in facial palsy.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The short answer is a definitive 'no.' Assuming the numbness was a result of surgery, it will not spread. You likely had a sensory nerve injury, and those types of nerve injuries usually heal very slowly. Since the 'damage has been done'. you don't need to worry about motor nerve involvement or paralysis if it is not already present. Motor nerve injuries present immediately after surgery, not 18+ months later. If at some point in the future you have a new onset of facial paralysis, it would not be related to surgery but some other pathology. 
Best,Dr. Tower

Neck numbness 18 months post face and neck lift - could this develop into facial paralysis?

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Neck numbness 18 months post face and neck lift - could this develop into facial paralysis?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.