I am not sure about the pros and cons of this in practical application. The Dr suggested I do both, and said it was most do, but I often feel numbness (if that makes sense). I almost perceive the lack of something to perceive. If anyone has any information or experiences, I would be most appreciative to hear them.
Thank you
Danie
I’m a little confused. Does the doctor want to cut those nerves in conjunction with doing a styloidectomy or just to try to relieve your pain without doing anything about your elongated styloid(s)? It doesn’t seem like a normal part of a styloidectomy procedure. The greater auricular nerve has been mentioned in several posts which you can find by using the magnifying glass search tool in the upper right of this page & typing greater auricular nerve in the search box. One post mentions that the GAN was moved out of the way during surgery but not cut: Surgery with Mr Hughes London this Friday - #309 by PatientD
You can also search for posts discussing cutaneous nerves the same way. Here’s the link to one post that mentions the brachial cutaneous nerve was moved out of the way but not cut during surgery: Surgery Completed! - #10 by tokenegret
Hi, I would expect nerves to be monitored during surgery and to be moved to allow styloid to be cut/removed. I do not recommend you agree to any nerves being cut. Even if they are monitored while moved I had significant pain & some facial muscle weakness (droop mouth one side) & had to do facial physio work after surgery. My upper face (eg lifting eyebrows) was not affected, but they did test for that in recovery room. Take care. D
He wants to take out the styloid as well as cut the nerves.
Thank you for sharing and your recommendation. I am not going to do it.
I am glad to hear that. I think it is the right decision. Take care. D
I second @PatientD’s opinion & comment - so glad you’re not opting to get the nerves cut.
I agree, there really doesn’t seem to be any need to cut the nerves…
I may have read that Dr. Costantino also cuts the GAN but he apparently puts it back together as well at the end of surgery. Can anyone confirm this and why he does that?
I haven’t heard of Dr. C doing that, but hopefully someone in the know will post an answer.
Did the surgeon ask you to do facial expressions? Like making ugly face, smiling etc ?
Hi, yes I recall being asked to raise eyebrows and to smile in recovery after op. Was bit groggy so can’t recall if other requests too.
When I saw the facial physio they asked me to perform a extensive set of facial expressions as part of assessing facial damage symmetry issues and then set exercises to help fix them. Hope that helps. D
It was the same for me too, the surgeon came to the recovery room imdiate after i was woken up. Asked me to do all sorts of faces and smile. Asked me to pretend i was kissing someone.
And also asked me to sing 
I was totally gone and sky high on meds and with one ice cream in each hand though 
Did you end up having surgery with Costantino? He does indeed cut the GON and I believe glued it back together. Scares me as well.
Was your surgeon Dr Costantino? I’m scheduled for surgery with him (will be my 3rd on my right IJV) and it does terrify me he does this to the GON. The only reason I can think of is it gives me better visibility to what he’s working on.
You’re a ninja I swear!!! Ty
That is weird, but as far as I’m aware those who’ve had surgery with him haven’t commented about noticing anything afterwards…not long until surgery for you, going to be a different Christmas for you 
Thanks Jules - ya coming up way too quick but also not quick enough ha! Unfortunately a few days ago someone posted on FB that they’re a year out from surgery with Dr. Costantino and they have some 24/7 nerve pain caused by the cutting of the GAN. Wish he wouldn’t cut it and u plan on asking about it more during pre-op. I plan on doing a long post once this 3rd surgery is behind me in hopes I can help others.
It’s a difficult one, we’ve had members who have seen pretty much all the most experienced doctors for surgery and for some reason their surgery hasn’t gone so well, so it can happen with any doctor…maybe you’ll get an answer from Dr C, and maybe he doesn’t do it for every surgery