During a facelift, skin and tissues around the ears are lifted and tightened, which can alter earlobe shape and position, potentially causing elongation or distortion (like "pixie ears") due to tension, but skilled surgeons minimize this by placing incisions and managing tension on deeper tissues, aiming to preserve natural ear appearance while improving facial contours and potentially fixing existing earlobe issues like stretching.
The short answer is yes; a facelift can affect your earlobes. During a facelift, the surgeon lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck. The skin around the ears is also raised during the procedure, which can cause changes to the shape and position of the earlobes.
After a facelift, it is entirely normal for the ears to remain numb for several weeks to several months. Most patients experience reduced sensation for 2 to 6 months, although in some cases, mild numbness can persist for up to a year.
When thinking about what the cause is, it should be no surprise that simple earlobe tuck or suture is destined to fail. The only real way to effectively treat the pixie earlobe is to re-raise the anterior skin flap or perform a more limited form of the original facelift, known as a tuck-up facelift.
Hearing loss after a facelift can occur due to blood crusting in the ear canal or due to swelling of the ear canal. Notify your plastic surgeon and clean the ear with half strength hydrogen peroxide and a Q tip.
Hematoma. A collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin is the most common complication of a face-lift. A hematoma causes swelling and pressure. It usually forms within 24 hours of surgery.
The "pixie" ear deformity can be recognized by its "stuck on" or "pulled" appearance, which is typically caused by the tension involving the facelift cheek and jawline skin flaps at the earlobe attachment point. In many cases, this deformity may be improved in the office using local anesthesia.
Mild symptoms of ear barotrauma usually last a few minutes. If they last longer, you may need treatment for an infection or another problem. Serious damage, such as a burst eardrum, may take a few months to heal. Sometimes you may need surgery to repair the eardrum or the opening into your middle ear.
Scars behind the ears after a facelift are common, particularly in lower facelift procedures. These scars are often concealed in the natural folds behind your ears, making them nearly impossible to see.
The term “pixie ear” refers to an earlobe that stretches and becomes attached to the skin on the face. The stretched earlobe makes the person look like a pixie.
Some patients are recommended to wear compression up to 24 hours a day for 1 to 2 weeks or even longer after surgery. The regimen may be reduced to wearing the compression band only at night or when alone for 30 to 45 days.
Measures like maintaining an elevated head position while resting, applying ice packs intermittently, and getting ample rest contribute significantly to minimizing swelling. Meticulous attention to wound care is also imperative for expediting healing following Deep Plane Facelift surgery.
My ears feel blocked. Is this normal? It is normal to experience an unusual pressure sensation in the ears following your surgery. The ears are becoming accustomed to the new pressure changes and this will usually resolve over the next two weeks after surgery.
Shell-Like Ears
Their subtle charm and graceful design make them a captivating feature, adding an element of elegance and sophistication to one's overall look. These ear shapes are often admired for their refined appearance.
The Nose – While a facelift does not alter the appearance of your nose (that's a rhinoplasty surgery), it can smooth out the skin that runs from your mouth to your nose.
Keeping Facelift Scars Hidden and Healed
Silicone gel or sheets are recommended for minimizing scar appearance after a facelift, as they hydrate and protect the scar from developing into visible scars. Massaging the scar area can improve flexibility and reduce scar thickness by increasing blood flow.
Pillow ear (or ear pain from sleeping) is discomfort, soreness, or pain in the outer ear caused by prolonged pressure, typically from sleeping on your side on a pillow that's too firm or unsupportive, compressing the ear cartilage and reducing blood flow. It can also be exacerbated by head misalignment, certain pillow fills, or underlying issues like piercings or conditions like Chondrodermatitis Nodularis (CNH).
One of the complications after rhytidectomy, and a sign of facelift, is the so-called “pixie ear deformity” or “bat ear.” This is regarded as a telltale sign of a facelift procedure and appears to be identified in 5% of earlobe inset cases.
In most cases, dissolvable stitches used in facelifts will dissolve within 3-6 months as your body breaks them down. It's important to note that this process is gradual and designed to support proper healing.
Key points about ear barotrauma
Symptoms can include ear pain, ear pressure, ringing in the ears, dizziness, ear bleeding, and hearing loss. Symptoms are often short-term (temporary). But some don't go away. Treatment may include medicines or surgery.
Airplane ear also is called ear barotrauma, barotitis media and aerotitis media. Self-care steps, such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum, usually can improve airplane ear symptoms. But a severe case of airplane ear might need medical help.
Flying with Eustachian tube dysfunction carries the risk of middle ear damage, and in rarer cases severe inner ear damage. The Eustachian tube provides a connection from the back of the nose to the ear and allows equalisation of pressure changes.
PRINCESS FACELIFT©️ is a SCARLESS cheek lift invented by the facial magician Dr. Malcolm Paul. This procedure is the first of its kind, and Dr. Paul has taught his technique to surgeons around the world. This procedure is perfect for anyone looking for a lifted, restored appearance.
A deep plane facelift is a more extensive procedure that targets facial muscles deep to the SMAS layer for a more dramatic rejuvenation. The entire SMAS layer is lifted by releasing the deep ligaments then repositioning it to a higher position without putting too much tension on the skin.
A compression garment can help to minimize post-operative swelling and related discomfort. Maintaining constant pressure on the surgical site will prevent excess build-up of subcutaneous fluid – or swelling – and encourage your body to re-absorb the fluid that accumulates.