How Long Do Ears Stay Numb After Facelift? How to Prevent It?

Even though numbness in the neck and ears is common after a facelift, it can be quite concerning as it is not part of your daily experience. We are aware of that.

Following facelift surgery, it is not uncommon for people to feel a little tingling feeling in their face or the areas around the ear. Most of our patients are aware that swelling and scarring are normal aspects of the body's healing processes.

Nonetheless, experiencing numbness and tingling in unexpected locations might be concerning because these feelings typically indicate poor circulation or illness.

These symptoms can last for a considerable amount of time in some cases, but they usually go away after two to six months, although they can stay for up to a year in some cases.

Why Do Ears Feel Numb?

The feeling of the ear lobe itself is caused by a nerve known as the larger auricular nerve. After a facelift, the numbing sensation often gradually returns when the region behind your ears recovers. It will take longer for the region to heal if this nerve was harmed during your facelift—a rare but possible occurrence.

The process of the nerves growing back and attaching to their skin receptors will take many months, during which you can have a possible tingling feeling or itching.

According to a recent study, peripheral nerve damage from cosmetic plastic surgery needs to be treated carefully, even though they are very rare to happen.

Most of those who get face and neck lifts will experience a complete restoration of their normal sensation eventually.

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Typical Duration of Ear Numbness After a Facelift

After a facelift, your nerves will gradually reassemble and adapt to their new location. You may anticipate having your sensation back in three to twelve months. The numbness, however, may persist for several months in some cases.

Pinching or tingling is an indication that your nerves are reconnecting, and the normal feeling is coming back. As time goes on, this sensation will progressively level off to become normal. The return of normal feeling is expected in most cases healing is proceeding as planned.

Managing Numbness in the Ears After Facelift

Although patients should be aware that nerve injury is a typical side effect of facelift procedures, working with a skilled facial plastic surgeon will considerably reduce this risk.

The best outcome for patients may be achieved by a skilled surgeon with a great deal of expertise doing this procedure.

Now, what you can do to manage numbness in the ears after surgery? First, you must contact your surgeon or doctor and tell them the exact feeling you have. Often, they recommend medications (local ointments) to calm the area.

In addition, they may recommend natural or home remedies, such as area massaging, meditation practices, or physical activities. If these tips don’t work or numbness remains consistent for several months, then they might arrange a consultation with a neurosurgeon.

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The Role of Nerve Damage in Post-Facelift Ear Numbness

After a facelift, swelling and inflammation that impairs the skin's sensory nerves is usually the cause of numbness you may experience.

The numbness usually goes away in three to six weeks, although occasionally it might stay for several months, especially around the incisions.

Furthermore, facial muscular weakness may be seen by certain patients. As mentioned before, normal sensation returns to the face muscles within three to six weeks, yet in rare instances, this weakening can remain in place for up to six months.

Your face should start to look significantly better at that point, and three months after your facelift, you should be able to see the full results without persistent issues.

What Should You Do If Ear Numbness Persists?

Most patients won't notice any loss of feeling or numbness after a couple of months. In 1-3 months, patients who experience postoperative facial numbness can anticipate a gradual restoration of normal sensation as the nerves regenerate.

Skin tingling usually indicates the formation of new nerves and might occur before complete sensation returns. Indeed, you should be back to your regular activities and enjoying your new appearance after a month from the surgery.

If the issue persists, then you must contact your doctor again and describe the kind of feeling you’re having. They will recommend the best course of action based on the severity of your case. 

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