Dr. Dean Kane Q & A

Q. I am now 6 weeks post-op facelift and my right ear lobe is still numb. Please help.

A. ​Earlobe numbness, just as face and neck skin numbness are expected side-effects of dividing the sensory nerves in order to elevate and re-drape the skin following face and neck lift.
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​It will take many months for the nerves to regrow and attach to their skin receptors and you may have differing sensations, called dysesthesia, such as itching during this time. The vast majority of face and neck lift patients will have full return of sensation.
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​The causes for pain or lack of return of sensation are due to abnormal regrowth of the nerve or normal scarring in the pathway of nerve growth. Again, most of the time this resolves with time.
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​You can expect return of sensation in 3 to 12 months following this type of surgery. If everything else is healing well and on-time, you would expect sensation to return normally as well.
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​Re-consult with your surgeon if you remain concerned. All the best!

This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.