Patients do complain of a feeling of fullness in the ears or pain in the ears for the first few days after surgery. This is caused by swelling, and improves fairly quickly. Most of my patients take prescription pain medication for the first couple of days before transitioning to Motrin or Tylenol.
Some patients may experience ear pain and jaw pain due to the invasive nature of the procedure. This is especially true for those who have had their incisions made near or around their ears. The incision sites can be tender and uncomfortable, but this should subside with time as your body heals.
Parts of the face, neck, and ears sometimes feel weak or numb after the facelift operation these feelings are temporary and, if they occur, generally last less than 6 weeks. In some cases, this sensation may last as long as six months, but this is an extremely rare occurrence.
The term “pixie ear” refers to a possible complication following facelift surgery. When it occurs, the earlobe essentially looks stretched. It can also cause detached earlobes to look attached. For those who know what to look for, it can be a dead giveaway of a facelift.
Unfortunately, one of the most common results of an amateurish facelift procedure is distortion of the ear. Because facelift incisions are made around and in the ear, care is required to avoid distortion of any portion of the ear or the sideburn or hairline around the ear.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after a facelift? Facial nerve sensation will largely be restored within one to two weeks post-op; the neck area may take up to six weeks. Most patients will recover full feeling throughout their face within a few months, but it can take up to 12 months for some.
Recovery From Facelift – The Short Answer
A realistic timeframe for full recovery is three months. By this stage, swelling should have passed and you are completely delighted with your new appearance.
Once the swelling wanes, that tightness feeling should dissipate in time. Your skin will also start to slightly stretch as it adapts to the new shape. You can expect the face to feel tight for a few months following the facelift surgery. The tightness can last for about 2 – 3 months.
In facelift procedures, the earlobe is dissected and separated from its base. It is then sutured at the end of the procedure so that its postoperative shape is natural and well rounded, without downward stretching due to pulling of the submandibular and cervical tissues.
Earlobe deformities such as pseudoptosis, also known as pixie ear deformity (Figure 1), and ptosis grades III to IV are still common after facelift surgery.
While the recovery timeline can vary from patient to patient, most people are generally able to resume front or side-sleeping after 2 – 4 weeks.
During a facelift, the skin of the face is lifted and stretched to achieve the desired degree of tightness. As a result, the skin is at some risk for minor necrosis or scabbing which can lead to a thickened scar. This may occur behind the ear where the skin is pulled tight but is almost never seen in front of the ear.
You may not need anything more than Tylenol, however if your pain is not relieved with the medicine prescribed, call the office. DO NOT TAKE Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Alka-Seltzer or compounds containing these medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding after surgery. Tylenol is OK.
You'll likely feel the most discomfort your first day, so you should take pain medications to stay on top of it.
Bruising and swelling usually reach their height around day 3 and 4, but both will likely be present for several additional weeks. Continue to take medication if you experience discomfort.
All of the muscles encountered in facelifting, including the platysma, orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus major and minor, and risorius muscles, belong to the superficial group [24].
You must wear the chin strap continuously for the first two weeks after surgery except while eating and showering/cleaning incisions. The strap helps fight the forces of gravity immediately after surgery and helps improve any swelling.
Beginning on day 2 or 3, light walking is recommended to help promote blood flow which speeds healing. Short, easy walks is the only form of exercise that should be undertaken. Many patients start to feel less discomfort over the first few weeks as bruising and swelling subsides.
In general, the results from your facelift will look very good after about 1-month and you'll look your best at 6 months. A facelift can produce long-lasting results for years to come. And while everyone has a unique aging process, many of my patients don't feel they need more work for 12-14 years.
One way to support recovery after a facelift is through facial massage. This will support lymphatic drainage which helps to reduce swelling, bruising and discomfort.
Starting the day after surgery, use a moisturizing barrier like Aquaphor three times a day for two weeks. Use a silicone-based cream that contains sun-protection, like Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, twice per day for three months.
AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start hemorrhage. AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.
Motor nerve damage affects the movement of the face. Damage to the nerve that moves the lower lip is most common and can lead to a crooked smile, though this only occurs in less than 1% of patients. Full facial movement usually returns within a few weeks.