Why do my ears and throat hurt after surgery?

After a deep plane facelift and/or deep neck lift, it is common for patients to experience discomfort in their ears and throat due to the nature of the surgery and the anatomy involved. Here’s why:

1. Nerve Irritation
   - During the procedure, we work on deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and connective tissues of the face and neck. This can cause temporary irritation of the sensory nerves that supply the areas around the ears and throat.
   - The great auricular nerve, which provides sensation to the lower part of the ear, often passes through the surgical field. Although the nerve is preserved, it can become irritated or swollen, leading to tenderness, numbness, or discomfort around the ears.
   - Similarly, nerves that supply the throat (ie,glossopharyngeal nerve) can be indirectly affected due to muscle manipulation and swelling, causing a sore throat feeling.

2. Tissue Swelling and Tightness
   - After surgery, swelling occurs in the face and neck as part of the healing process. This swelling can put pressure on surrounding structures, including the ears and throat, causing discomfort.
   - Tightening and repositioning of the skin and deeper tissues can also lead to a feeling of tension, especially around the neck and behind the ears, contributing to ear and throat discomfort.

3. Incision Placement Near the Ears
   - For both a deep plane facelift and an isolated deep neck lift, incisions are made near the ears, often extending behind or near the earlobe. These incisions can lead to tenderness as they heal, making the area around the ears feel sore.

4. Anesthesia and Positioning
   - During surgery, we utilize oxygen to keep you safe. The dry oxygen and the tubes we use to deliver it can contribute to a sore and dry throat, typically in the first 24 to 48 hours.
   - The turning and manipulation of the neck during surgery can also cause some strain or tightness of the neck and the back of the scalp.

5. Muscle Manipulation
   - During the neck lift portion of the procedure, the platysma muscle, which runs from the  jawline to the collarbone, is tightened and repositioned. This can lead to a feeling of tightness or soreness in the throat area as the muscle heals and adjusts to its new position.

Recovery and Pain Relief 
   - The discomfort in the ears and throat usually improves over the course of a few days to weeks as swelling subsides and the tissues heal. See here for ways to ease the pain during recovery.