Does Greater Auricular Nerve Damage ALWAYS Cause Ear Numbness?

Numbness usually means the nerve has been totally cut. If there is some discomfort or electric like feelings the nerve is typically intact and just taking time to heal from swelling

The greater auricular nerve is in jeopardy during a facelift. The trauma should always be minor and can result in anesthesia and possibly discomfort for a while after the operation. This should resolve with time it sounds like your trend is favorable.

When this nerve is cut, numbness of significant parts of the ear will result. Sensation of pulling, stinging, aching, itching or tightness can occur as part of the natural healing process and maybe greatly dependent on the patient's healing rather than on surgical technique.

Your symptoms do not sound like a Greater Auricular Nerve transection, which would consist of numbness of the lower third of the auricle.  Your symptoms are more consistent with significant tension of the skin closure around your ear, possibly with sutures anchored on the auricular cartilage.  With some mini-lifts, tension on the skin is used to obtain the results with the resulting symptoms you describe. 

Thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes when a nerve is damaged, partially, as it heals it can lead to abnormal sensation or even pain. This can resolve over time and there may be a role for supplements or steroids. If there is not a resolution, in rare cases, a traumatic neuroma may have formed and could require removal in order to stop the discomfort.