Facial Nerve Injury
Rare but serious — and usually temporary when it occurs.
What can happen
The facial nerve controls the muscles of expression. During a facelift its branches — particularly the temporal and marginal mandibular branches — are near the surgical field. Injury is uncommon, and when it does occur it is usually a temporary weakness (neuropraxia) caused by stretching or swelling, recovering over weeks to months. Permanent injury is rare.
Numbness is different
Temporary numbness of the skin, especially around the ears and cheeks, is very common and not the same as facial-nerve (movement) injury. Sensation returns gradually as the small sensory nerves recover.
Reducing the risk
The most important protection is a surgeon with detailed anatomical knowledge and experience in the chosen technique. Deeper-plane techniques work closer to the nerve, which is precisely why they demand specific training.