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Cut Post Auricular Muscle

asked 10 months ago by cursednose1111 in los angeles, ca
Latest answer by Paul K. Holden, MD
Question viewed 121 times
Tags: asymmetry, cut, hairline, muscle

#1 I had my post auricular muscle cut when my doctor brrowed cartilage for my revision rhinoplasty. After the cutting of this muscle, my ear set back slightly more than previously. What was more disturbing was that when I smile my hairline pulls to towards the uneffected ear giving the appearance of an assymetrical hairline. I used to be able to pull and wiggle my ears back and Causing me to "smkile with my eyes which I can no longer do> can cutting this muscle affect the way my face looks?

3 answers to Cut Post Auricular Muscle

+1

Auricularis Muscle

The muscle behind your ear is considered a minor muscle of facial expression. In some people it serves no purpose while others it is quite active with smiling and other expressions. It is very likely that what you are noticing is directly due to the surgery because, yes, the muscle has to be cut in order to obtain an ear cartilage graft. The effect you notice with expression may improve a little with time. Muscles are very resilient and can do amazing things as they... more
Paul K. Holden, MD

Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.HoldenFace.com

+1

Cut post auricular muscle

A cartilage graft from an ear for a revision rhinoplasty is a common technique. It usually has minimal effect on the appearance of the ears and it is probably something you notice more than anyone else will. More importantly, how did the nose turn out? If you got a nice result from the rhinoplasty, then a little asymmetry of the ears is well worth it.
Ronald J. Edelson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ear graft during Rhinoplasty made my face appear different.

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and have taken countless numbers of conchal cartilage ear grafts of which you describe. The ear muscles are cut to expose the cartilage before its removal and I have never had one of my patients describe what you are saying about changes to their face or hairline. I could understand the anatomy behind a decrease ability to wiggle that ear but frankly the rest does not make anatomical sense as the scalp muscles would still be... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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