Cartilage Piercing Ok After Otoplasty?

3 years ago i had a octoplasy on both ears and they both healed without any problems.. but i want to have my helix (rim of ear cartilage) pierced.. would it be ok to have it done? or would it go wrong? would the scar tissue react badly?? please help!

Tags:

Comment on this

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Brogan.UK in Stowmarket, UK

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (0)

Cartilage Piercing After Otoplasty

Many otoplasty procedures have permanent sutures around the helix and anti-helix to help develop the antihelical fold. The suture can be quite close to the rim. The biggest theoretic issue is introducing an infection on a permanent suture through a helical piercing. Some surgeons use scoring techniques as well. If a piercing enters a hits an already weak cartilage, there is a risk, albeit low of fracturing the ear and changing the appearance of the outer rim... more

Is it ok to pierce cartilage after otoplasty...

Otoplasy is a wonderful procedure for reshaping the ears. Once the results have healed into place, the cartilage should maintain the position forever. Theoretically, after 2 months it is safe to pierce your helix; however, there is no guarantee it won't cause a problem. Piercing through the cartilage always has a higher risk for infection. Also, the piercing could accidentally cut through one of the sutures in the ear which could reverse the nice result. If you... more

Piercing Ears after Otoplasty Surgery?

At this point, your previous otoplasty should not pose a problem with obtaining a piercing. Make your choices carefully remembering that your aesthetic tastes may change with time. Best wishes.