Nerve injury is one of the most commonly discussed concerns in facelift surgery. While it is uncommon, it is a real risk that patients should clearly understand before undergoing a surgical facelift—especially when deeper lifting techniques are involved.

This guide explains what nerve injury means in facelift surgery, how often it occurs, which nerves are involved, and how Korean facelift techniques aim to minimize this risk.

What Does “Nerve Injury” Mean in Facelift Surgery?

In facelift surgery, nerve injury refers to temporary or permanent disruption of facial nerve function caused by surgical manipulation, stretching, compression, or trauma during tissue lifting.

Facial nerves control:

• Facial expressions
• Muscle movement (smiling, blinking, lip motion)
• Sensory feeling in certain areas

Most nerve-related issues after facelift surgery are temporary and resolve on their own over time.

Facial Nerves Involved in Facelift Surgery

Motor Nerves (Most Important)

These control facial movement and expression.

Key branches include:

• Temporal branch (forehead & eyebrow movement)
• Zygomatic branch (eye closure & cheek movement)
• Buccal branch (smiling & upper lip movement)
• Marginal mandibular branch (lower lip movement)

Sensory Nerves

These affect feeling rather than movement.

• Earlobe and cheek numbness is common early after surgery
• Usually resolves within weeks to months

How Common Is Nerve Injury After a Facelift?

• Temporary nerve weakness: uncommon but possible
• Permanent nerve damage: rare when surgery is properly performed
• Most cases involve stretching or swelling, not nerve cutting

In experienced hands, the overall risk of permanent facial nerve injury is very low.

Types of Nerve-Related Issues After Facelift Surgery

Temporary Nerve Weakness

• Mild asymmetry when smiling
• Difficulty raising eyebrows
• Uneven lip movement
• Typically improves within weeks to months

Sensory Changes

• Numbness around ears or cheeks
• Tingling or altered sensation
• Gradual recovery over time

Permanent Nerve Injury (Rare)

• Persistent muscle weakness
• Long-term asymmetry
• Often linked to complex anatomy or revision surgery

Which Facelift Techniques Carry Higher Nerve Risk?

Higher Technical Risk

• Deep plane facelift
• Revision facelift surgery
• Combined facelift + neck lift

These involve deeper anatomical layers closer to facial nerve branches.

Lower Technical Risk

• Mini facelift
• Skin-only facelift
• Limited endoscopic procedures

However, technique alone does not determine safety—surgeon experience matters more.

Why Facelift Surgery in Korea Emphasizes Nerve Safety

Korean facelift surgery is known for:

• Detailed facial nerve anatomy knowledge
• Conservative tension techniques
• Layer-specific dissection
• Emphasis on natural movement rather than tight pulling

Many Korean surgeons prioritize structural repositioning over skin tension, reducing nerve strain.

How Surgeons Minimize Nerve Injury Risk

Key safety strategies include:

• Precise anatomical dissection
• Avoiding excessive traction on tissues
• Maintaining correct surgical planes
• Gentle handling of nerves
• Thorough preoperative facial analysis

Intraoperative technique is the most important factor in nerve protection.

Recovery Timeline for Nerve-Related Symptoms

SymptomTypical RecoveryMild numbnessWeeks to monthsTemporary weakness1–6 monthsSwelling-related asymmetryImproves as swelling resolvesPermanent nerve damageRare

Most patients who experience nerve-related symptoms see gradual and full improvement.

When to Be Concerned After Surgery

Patients should report:

• Worsening facial weakness
• No improvement after several months
• Difficulty closing eyes
• Persistent drooping on one side

Early evaluation helps rule out complications and guide recovery care.

Final Thoughts

Nerve injury risk in facelift surgery is real but low, especially when the procedure is properly planned and performed. The majority of nerve-related symptoms are temporary and reversible, caused by swelling or nerve stretching rather than permanent damage.

Understanding this risk allows patients to make informed decisions and approach facelift surgery with realistic expectations—particularly when considering advanced lifting techniques.