Is increased stinging and cold sensation throughout face normal 4.5 months after a facelift and upper eye lid surgery?

Question

I had a standard rhytidectomy, including the tightening of the underlying fascia and muscle and upper blepharoplasty 4.5 months ago. The board certified PS also injected some fat from my neck into the face. I have been experiencing a sensation of coldness (not to the touch of others, though), increased stinging throughout my cheeks, and a tight rubber band-like feeling under my chin and around the ears. Recently, I developed ringing in my ears and it feels like there is a stick in one. Please advise.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

many thanks for posting your question.It sounds like your face is going through the healing process, with the nerves coming back to life after the surgery. Sometimes, the sensory nerves that have been (necessarily) cut as part of the facelift procedure come back to life with a number of unpleasant sensations, such as tingling, shooting pains, over-sensitivity and more. These normally settle down with time. I find that regular massage of the cheeks and affected area can really help too.I hope this reassures you.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common and expected to have different sensations in the face after a facelift.  Many patients experience numbness, tingling, crawling sensations, shooting sensations and heat/cold.  This is all part of the sensation returning after the operation and it can last as long as one year with gradual improvement. As far as the tightness this is most likely the result of the operation as the procedure usually tightens a muscle.  The ringing in the ears may be due to decreased hearing due to either wax or blood in the ear canal.  Allow your surgeon to examine you and reassure you. Best of luck.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

After a facelift , it is common to experience numbness and areas of decreased sensation. Generally , most of these changes will have resolved by six months postop. As nerve function returns , it is common to experience varying sensations such as burning, tingling, stinging , and hot or cold sensations. Sometimes these changes can take longer to resolve, but infrequently are they permanent.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Stinging, tingling, and other odd sensations can occur after any surgical procedure particularly around an incision site.  When nerves regenerate, paresthesias or abnormal nerve sensation can occur.  This can take up to a year or longer to fully resolve.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Congratulations on having a facelift and upper blepharoplasty.  I'm sorry that you are having these symptoms after your procedures.  After a facelift, it is not uncommon to have different sensations and numbness in the skin of the face and neck.  In addition, it is not uncommon to have numbness in the ears, as well.  This numbness is almost always temporary, but can take up to 6 months to fully resolve in some cases.  Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your surgeon, but this numbness should resolve with time. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Is increased stinging and cold sensation throughout face normal 4.5 months after a facelift and upper eye lid surgery?

Answers (5)