Can a Facelift cause chronic post nasal drip and ear pain?

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Because the incisions from a facelift are made around the ear, there could certainly be some ear pain during the recovery period.  However, I would expect this pain to resolve over time as you heal from the procedure.  You did not indicate how long ago the procedure was performed.  I would certainly expect the postoperative pain to resolve within a few weeks.  If liquids get into the ear canal during the procedure or when cleaning, that could allow for an infection in the ear canal ("swimmer's ear") that can definitely cause pain.  If this were the case, it would likely occur during the first week or two after the procedure.  In addition, there is a risk to injury to a nerve that gives sensation to the ear (greater auricular nerve) during facelift procedures that can result in numbness and rarely chronic pain.  This is usually self-limited and resolves over time.  I do not think that postnasal drip would be related in any way to a facelift.  I would suggest following up with your facial plastic surgeon to assure that everything has healed well and there is no evidence of ear canal infection.  They can probably treat the postnasal drainage issue too, or make a referral to an ENT physician, if needed.  I hope this information is helpful.

The question you ask is an excellent one. A facelift is a surgical
procedure that dramatically improves facial contours through the reversal of
age related changes in facial anatomy. The operation is not simply the removal
of excess, inelastic skin, but a resuspension of the facial tissues that
provide a more youthful appearance. Simply stated, these are external changes
that are created and seen on the face. The symptoms of ear pain and post-nasal
drip are internal and very often not related to your procedure. I would recommend
that you follow-up with a well reputed Otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) for
evaluation of your nose and ears. Hopefully this is helpful to you.Be healthy and be well, James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

A facelift should not affect the function of the nose in any way, so I would say it could not cause chronic post nasal drip.  It is possible that the ear could temporarily be affected after a facelift, but this should be a very short lasting problem if it occurs.  Sometimes blood can collect in the ear canal, which can make the ear feel clogged and decrease the hearing.  It is possible that perhaps some ear pain could accompany this issue, but the problem can easily be treated.