I had mid face lift 5 days ago and both ears are clogged. I also hear a sort of gurgling sound. I have yet to have a follow-up appointment so I don't know what this is either. You are not alone; I hope someone responds to us.
I had a minifacelift january 4, 2010. I had tremendous pressure over my right ear for a very long time. I still do, but it has eased up some. My PS said it may be blood that accumulated from the surgery. I saw an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. He said my ears were fine. I've figured out that the pressure is from all the tension and pulling on my muscles from the lift. It transfers to many places causing discomfort. I never heard gurgling, but my both ears definitely felt clogged. I hope this helps and you get it resolved. I've been suffering for 17 weeks now from all the tightness. I hear it gets better, but can take a LONG time to really heal. Good luck. If I can be of any help let me know.
Rosemary
Thank you very much for responding. My gurgling and clogged ears finally (slowly) cleared up. What I'm dealing with now, 4 weeks post surgery, is an extreme feeling of tightness and pulling sensation as well as a total numbness of earlobes, area in front of ears to outside edges of eyes including area down around and under chin. It is very strange and I hope it gets better, though I understand there can be some permanent numbness. Were you numb and did it lessen? I hope you're feeling more comfortable.
i hear numbness, tightness and pulling are all part of facelift process. some are luckier than others, in the degree and duration that they feel it. everyone i've talked to has told me it gets better with time. i know 4 weeks seems like a long time, but you're still in the early stages of healing. it will get better. i have to believe this. i've had a very rough road. i still have numbness, tremendous tightness and pulling going on after 17 weeks. i'm taking zanax to relieve some of the tightness, and darvestte if the discomfort of it all is too much. my ps used an internal suture that doesn't dissolve for 6-9 months. ugh! those sutures are creating a lot of tension in my jaw and neck. i'm praying it will begin to ease up soon. i've learned how to manage my pain, but look forward to the day i'll feel "good" again. i'm sure this will not be the case for you. please stay in touch and let me know how you're doing.
take care
rosemary
p.s. do you like your results so far?
Good to hear from you about this as I feel similar. I will ask my ps if one of the more painful spots in back of my R ear could be from an internal stitch (I did not know about them). It is extremely painful and at times I need to take tylenol to get to sleep, I feel like I have a tight mask on. What bothers me a great deal are the two tight cords that go from the area of the back part beneath my chin down sides of my neck. I also look forward to time passing and these cords loosening up; they're weird. To be honest, i can't say I'm thrilled with this look. The loose skin is gone, but I feel I might look a bit stretched. I haven't "tested" the look out yet on anyone who knows me well (friends, family). I cannot squint which I didn't know I did when I smiled, so when I smile my face gets very tight and feels odd. I still have prickly stitches which are supposed to dissolve (?) but they feel like plastic to me. I'm sorry you're having so much pain and discomfort. My jaw tension slowly went away; I hope yours eases soon. For a while I couldn't close my back teeth. I massage my neck for the neck discomfort. It helps. Have you tried that? I'm beginning to think mini or mid lifts are more traumatic than "regular" lifts. I hope you're happy with your new look so far.
Take care,
Marg
i hope this finds you feeling a bit better today..moist heat is another good thing for your neck. you can buy the packs you put in the microwave at the drug store. they have like beans in them. that hold the heat. i heat it up and put it under my neck at night to help me fall asleep. it's your sternocleidomastoid muscle that feel like tight rubber bands in your neck. you can grab on either side of them if they're not too tender and squeeze. it will relieve some tension. (i'm a massage therapist, though i haven't been able to work since my facelift ) ; (
the stretched look will ease up. you're still swollen, making everything tight on the outside. it definitely gets better on the outside as the swelling goes down. even if you think it's down, it's still not.
my insides got tighter as i'm healing, making the pulling feeling more intense. my ps really pulled me tight. guess he had no choice because i probably did the procedure before i needed it. (thought i should....wrong.)
i can feel the prickly stitches too in my face. i'm told they are dissolvable, but not for a long time. (another thing my ps failed to mention). the ones behind my ears have dissolved, and i think that's the cause of your pain back there. my ears were very sore back there. i could feel the stitches under the skin. twice they came to the surface and my ps removed them. and even though i can't feel the sutures behind my ears, it's still very sore back there....may be nerves. my ps used a different size behind the ears, than in front and in my face. i know all this because i requested a copy of the operating room report. i've been so miserable, i just wanted to know what he did to me to try to figure out my pain.
some days are better for me than others. seems like one step forward, two steps back. i've learned how to manage the pain. it's just going to take much longer for me than i thought. but, i'm better than i was last month...so i'm trying to be patient, take each day for what it brings, and stay positive.
i really doubt that this will be the case for you. another few weeks and you'll turn the corner and feel great!
let me know how you're doing, and if i can be of help, i'm here.
Hello Hunna, I notice that my last reply to you a long time ago didn't "take". I don't know why. I hope you are doing better and the pain has eased somewhat by now. I have thought of you often and I guess we need to be grateful that things were not worse! I still have some pain, my neck cords still stand out and are uncomfortable, but better now. The stitches did not dissolve. They had to be removed and where they were, are now bumps -- quite hard ones. I still feel some prickle (stitches) behind my earlobes and above my ears. I'm to go back in two months, so I guess if those have not dissolved by then, they will also be removed which is a little bit painful and causes bleeding. I'm still extremely numb and so far, that hasn't changed. My earlobes feel "dead" and fat, though they look normal. I can't get earrings into my pierced earlobes. Anyway...that is the update as of the day after tomorrow two months post op. How are you doing now? I know it has been many many weeks for you and I truly hope you are feeling more comfortable week by week. Please let me know; I care. Sorry it has been so long since I wrote. I hope this message takes.
Marg
so nice to hear from you. it sounds as if you're feeling a bit better. i truly hope so. 2 months already. crazy how slow it goes day by day, but then the time just goes. where were the stitches you had removed? behind your ears?
i can still feel all the prickly little devils in my face, under my ear lobes, and down my neck (especially on right side). it seems as i heal, the pulling gets worse. i have so much pressure over my right ear i would like to scream. i've just started getting vertigo. i'm going to an ear dr. on thursday. if it's not my inner ear, then i'm thinking some type of nerve impingement in my neck. my pain is constant, but in degrees. sometimes it's bad, and other times only tolerable with pain killers.
i am 5 months post op on the 4th. who knew i'd be going through this? i just pray i come out of it. i've never experienced pain like this. it seems so hopeless sometimes. but i have to stay positive.
i know you will continue to make progress and feel better each day. stay in touch. it's nice to be able to talk to someone who's going through it.
take care,
rosemary
so nice to hear from you. it sounds as if you're feeling a bit better. i truly hope so. 2 months already. crazy how slow it goes day by day, but then the time just goes. where were the stitches you had removed? behind your ears?
i can still feel all the prickly little devils in my face, under my ear lobes, and down my neck (especially on right side). it seems as i heal, the pulling gets worse. i have so much pressure over my right ear i would like to scream. i've just started getting vertigo. i'm going to an ear dr. on thursday. if it's not my inner ear, then i'm thinking some type of nerve impingement in my neck. my pain is constant, but in degrees. sometimes it's bad, and other times only tolerable with pain killers.
i am 5 months post op on the 4th. who knew i'd be going through this? i just pray i come out of it. i've never experienced pain like this. it seems so hopeless sometimes. but i have to stay positive.
i know you will continue to make progress and feel better each day. stay in touch. it's nice to be able to talk to someone who's going through it.
take care,
rosemary
I got vertigo about 2 wks after my lift- it went away after 2 days- came back a week later- just for a day. Now- that was minor compared to my left side of my face- which has bumps - about 3 - looks like fluid in it. Have seen my prominent NYcity surgeon 4 times already- even did a blood test to see if there was an underlying infection- there wasn't - I think this won't go away- I am scared
Hello Hunna, I notice that my last reply to you a long time ago didn't "take". I don't know why. I hope you are doing better and the pain has eased somewhat by now. I have thought of you often and I guess we need to be grateful that things were not worse! I still have some pain, my neck cords still stand out and are uncomfortable, but better now. The stitches did not dissolve. They had to be removed and where they were, are now bumps -- quite hard ones. I still feel some prickle (stitches) behind my earlobes and above my ears. I'm to go back in two months, so I guess if those have not dissolved by then, they will also be removed which is a little bit painful and causes bleeding. I'm still extremely numb and so far, that hasn't changed. My earlobes feel "dead" and fat, though they look normal. I can't get earrings into my pierced earlobes. Anyway...that is the update as of the day after tomorrow two months post op. How are you doing now? I know it has been many many weeks for you and I truly hope you are feeling more comfortable week by week. Please let me know; I care. Sorry it has been so long since I wrote. I hope this message takes.
Marg
HI
IT HAS been 3 months now- my ears still are a bit tender- can't wear heavy earrings= neck is the worst - hurts- stiff and left cheek still some lumps- god- my Dr has hinted that it can be a year till all resolves- I am 68- he says you heal at slower rate after 60- so who gets a face lift at 40??? Ha Ha- I am trying to be patient- still hurts if someone kisses me on cheek - I turn away and say I had dental work.
Let me know what is happening.
Hi,
What is happening is that very very slowly those weird lines of bee-bee sized hard bumps are flattening. I guess the stitches are slowly dissolving (about time). It has been 4.5 months. Ears finally coming around, though one lobe is still 1/2 numb. Ear rings are hard to get in now (???) and it hurts to put in earrings. Ears are a bit painful and temples are absolutely totally numb with no sign of improvement. I also heard that the older you are the longer healing takes. I haven't heard from Rosemary for a long time; I hope so much that she isn't still suffering from a lot of pain.
Take care.
Hi I have hope that maybe my lumps on left cheek will flatten down- I see a drop of progress on it- actually when I put no sunscreen no foundation it seems to help- I very lightly massage them 2 times a day- it has been 3months and a week.
Ladies came across your posts while looking for some answers of my own. I had a mini (mac) whatever you want to call it lift 16 months ago. I still have disgusting lumps behind my ears, can still fell the stitches that haven't yet dissolved and are painful to touch. If I roll on my side at night and press on the spot it will wake me up. I can never wear my hair up again as the lumps behind my ears are too unsightly. Dr. said they would go away in a couple months but as I said it's been 16 months and no change. I hope you have better results with healing then I did. I also have bruising on both sides of my neck that though faint has never gone away. Looks sort of like a purplish rash.
Hello Hunna, I notice that my last reply to you a long time ago didn't "take". I don't know why. I hope you are doing better and the pain has eased somewhat by now. I have thought of you often and I guess we need to be grateful that things were not worse! I still have some pain, my neck cords still stand out and are uncomfortable, but better now. The stitches did not dissolve. They had to be removed and where they were, are now bumps -- quite hard ones. I still feel some prickle (stitches) behind my earlobes and above my ears. I'm to go back in two months, so I guess if those have not dissolved by then, they will also be removed which is a little bit painful and causes bleeding. I'm still extremely numb and so far, that hasn't changed. My earlobes feel "dead" and fat, though they look normal. I can't get earrings into my pierced earlobes. Anyway...that is the update as of the day after tomorrow two months post op. How are you doing now? I know it has been many many weeks for you and I truly hope you are feeling more comfortable week by week. Please let me know; I care. Sorry it has been so long since I wrote. I hope this message takes.
Marg
Hi Marg,
My name is Alexandeer. I had my mini face lift, laser on my face and a neck lift. I have had problems with one thing or another since the surgery. My ears were bothering me from the start. When I swallowed, there was a sound there every time I swallowed. They just felt strange. I spoke with the ps and said I don't have any idea what it could be. From there about 4 weeks later I developed a plugged feeling in my left ear. A week later a had a severe case of vertigo. I went to my internist and he checked my ear for a infection or wax build up and neither was the case. It went away for about a month and now it is back even worse. My left ear is so plugged and the pressure seems to build up in the ear and then I get a severe vertigo attack, the ear seems to open up and then a couple of days later the whole cycle starts again. I am quite certain after getting on this site that this is all from my surgery. I also had the tightness so bad that I could not look from side to side, nor could I tilt my head back. I am going back to my internist this week. I am sure that he will send me to a ENT specialist. The tightness has improved. I am still considerably numb around my ears, face and under my chin. You mentioned that you started to get vertigo. Do you still experience it. If there is anyone else that is experiencing vertigo with a plugged ear and extreme pressure, I would appreciate hearing from you.
i had a mini facelift jan 4 of this year. i've had so many problems since day one. i did have extreme pressure over my ears, especially the right, and a pulling sensation behind it. i developed vertigo that lasted a week about 5 months after the lift. i went to an ent, who said my ears were fine. not one dr. i've been to will say the facelift surgery was a cause of any of my problems. my GP said it's because no one want s to get involved in any law suit. i'm not looking to sue anyone, i just want answers and some help. after much research on my part, i've come to believe my great auricular nerve and/or my sensory accessory nerve were damaged during the surgery. my next appt. is with a dr. that does nerve testing...EMG. i still have some pressure over my ears and my neck feels like it has the flu (so sore and stiff). i also have lots of burning sensations going on.
i've been in contact with a few other women who have had similar experiences. it took years for them to get better. the thought of that made me shudder. now, i'm starting to believe i'll be one of them.
i dont know had bad of a time you've had. i can only hope it hasnt been as bad as mine. i try to stay positive though. i know i'll get through it, just hasn't been easy.
if i can help in any way...i'm here.
rosemary.
thanks for checking in on me. i've been in a terrible state. my pain hasn't eased up much. it's been 10 months for me now. i still have the burning sensations and dull ache in my neck and face. it tenses up my trapezius muscles so bad that i have to put my head down several times a day. i had an mri of my neck, which showed a herniated disc. the drs. think that is the source of my pain, and advised PT or steroid injections.
i don't agree with them. i've researched and believe my great auricular nerve and/or sensory accessory nerve was damaged by the PS. all my discomfort seems to originate from my face (around my ears) and my SCM in my neck.
i'm going to get an EMG which tests the nerve function. also scheduled for a myelogram.
the drs. don't want to hear that it all began with the facelift. they are giving me textbook diagnosis...neck pain...herneated disk.
it has been an unbelievable painful journey for me. and very frustrating that i can't find an answer.
i'm happy to hear you're feeling better though. and i appreciate you staying in touch.
rosemary
i had a mini facelift jan 4 of this year. i've had so many problems since day one. i did have extreme pressure over my ears, especially the right, and a pulling sensation behind it. i developed vertigo that lasted a week about 5 months after the lift. i went to an ent, who said my ears were fine. not one dr. i've been to will say the facelift surgery was a cause of any of my problems. my GP said it's because no one want s to get involved in any law suit. i'm not looking to sue anyone, i just want answers and some help. after much research on my part, i've come to believe my great auricular nerve and/or my sensory accessory nerve were damaged during the surgery. my next appt. is with a dr. that does nerve testing...EMG. i still have some pressure over my ears and my neck feels like it has the flu (so sore and stiff). i also have lots of burning sensations going on.
i've been in contact with a few other women who have had similar experiences. it took years for them to get better. the thought of that made me shudder. now, i'm starting to believe i'll be one of them.
i dont know had bad of a time you've had. i can only hope it hasnt been as bad as mine. i try to stay positive though. i know i'll get through it, just hasn't been easy.
if i can help in any way...i'm here.
rosemary.
Thank you for your reply. I feel so bad that you are having so many problems. I sure hope that they can find some relief for you. As I stated previously, my main complaint is that I have this plugged feeling in my ears and extreme pressure and of course, the worse is the vertigo. I am having it on an average of 2 to 3 x's a week. I can't even walk, and the vomiting is getting to be too much. I still have on either side of my face and ears, and under my chin the numbness. I have heard it can take up to a year for that to go away. After reading some of the complaints from the girls, about plugged ears and vertigo, I called my ps and he was so aloof with me. He said he never heard of anyone having problems with their ears as I do as well as the vertigo. He said that I am too anxious of a person and that he thinks I am a border line hypochondriac. I am so furious with him. I am not happy with my face lift. My neck lift is just ok, but my mid face lift was hardly noticeable. He pulled my left part of my lower face more than the right. Maybe, that is why the left ear is giving my problems. My internist sent me to have my carotid artery checked out, and I have to wait for those results and today I made an appointment with a ent. I will let you know where this all goes. I also told my ps to go on this site and he said the internet is a very dangerous place. He advertises on this site. Well, keep me posted as how you doing.
