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Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!

asked 1 year ago by Salt Lake City1199 in Salt Lake City, UT
Latest answer by James McMahan, MD
Question viewed 1,045 times
Tags: male

Had otoplasty performed, hoping to correct my protruding ears. After the procedure, my ears now have a "telephone" look, in which the middle portion is pinned, but the top and bottom portions are still stuck out. It has only been 3 days post-op, and my doctor says the "C" look will correct itself as the ears "spring" back out a few milimeters...but from what I read online on one post, most who receive this look immediately post-op, will have it stick with them for the most part.

8 answers to Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!

+2

Disappointing Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) Result

Regarding: "Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!  Had otoplasty performed, hoping to correct my protruding ears. After the procedure, my ears now have a "telephone" look, in which the middle portion is pinned, but the top and bottom portions are still stuck out. It has only been 3 days post-op, and my doctor says the "C" look will correct itself as the ears "spring" back out a few milimeters...but from what I read online on one post, most who receive this lo more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ears still prominent after otoplasty

You are correct that your results will not likely improve over time. Even if the sutures pinning down the middle of your ears do relax over time, the top of your ears will still be more prominent than they should be. Excess projection of the tops of your ears is easily seen in your picture, the bottoms are harder to see. Correction of the upper part of the ears is usually done by re-creating the superior crus on the antihelical fold which is generally lacking or deficient in... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Unwanted otoplasty result

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your result will get any better.  For now, what's done is done, so wait for the swelling to go down and then plan a revision 3-6 months after your surgery.  The problem likely was that the top part of your ear did not have enough correction....the sutures need to be specifically placed in strategically prepared areas of your ear in order to custom contour your ear.   Meanwhile, the bottom parts of... more
Thomas T. Le, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bwfacialplasticsurgery.com

+1

Bad otoplasty

I see what you are concerned about, but do not think you should be too alarmed yet.  I would suggest wearing a headband 24 hours a day for the next 3 weeks.  If you surgeon abraded or scored the anterior cartialge, you should get some retraction of the superior portion of the ear.  If this happens, I do not think you will be concered about the lower portion.  If the cartialge was not scored anteriorly, you are probably more likely to need a secondary procedure. ... more
Gordon Lewis, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bad otoplasty

I agree with the panel-wait until all the swelling is resolved. Then re-asses. Even if you do have a Telephone deformity, it should be relatively easy to correct. Best of luck,   Dr Siegel
Michel Siegel, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ottoplasty

Swelling does not account for the ear deformity. The condition may improve with time depending on whether the ear cartilage was aberaded (Weakened), if so then it does have a chance to go further back. I would help it bt wearing a headband and include the ears to push them back while healing for the next 2-3 weeks. See your surgeon and follow his/her recommendations, they know what  was done
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bad otoplasty

I understand your concern but I agree you should wait. Ears have a tendency to spring back out somewhat which may correct this feature over time. Your surgeon will be the best judge of your prognosis and will follow you until you are happy.
Timothy Fee, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Disappointed with otoplasty after 3 days

Hi SLC, Many patients have feelings of disappointment, regret, or remorse after having undergone cosmetic surgery and three days is way too short of a time to know your final results.  Things WILL change!  There is no question about that.  I recommend that you express your concerns to your surgeon and, this is the hard part, wait for at least 3 months before you make any final judgements about your happiness with the procedure.  If you are still unhappy with the... more
P. Daniel Ward, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

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