Otoplasty Asymmetry?

Hi, I had otoplasty six weeks ago. One side has an upper portion which comes out slightly whereas the other side tucks in. My main concern though is the lower ear, where there is a spiked piece of cartilage which juts out on one side just above the ear lobe, which is not the case on the other side. If this is not swelling, can it be reduced with another op even thought the cartilage is hard? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

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protruding 6 weeks post-op

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by juniper66

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (2)

Otoplasty Asymmetry

Please post a few pictures as this would give us an opportunity to give better advice. A sharp edge can usually be improved unless this was part of the conchal resection. Kenneth Hughes, MD ear pinning surgery Los Angeles, CA

Otoplasty

The structure you are describing is called the cauda helicis. I routinely remove this with my otoplasties, as it can stick out like you describe. It is possible this was removed and there is residual swelling. Give it another month or two. If it persists it is easily removed under local anesthesia.

Otoplasty asymmetry

Pictures would be very helpful to assist in answering your question. At six weeks after your otoplasty, there still will be some changes taking place during the healing process. I would recommend giving it some more time and if there is an issue with cartilage, it is something that should be able to be addressed with surgery.

Comments (2)

juniper66 12 Jan 2013

I think the area may actually be called the antitrago. If anyone knows if this can be reduced through surgery, I would be very grateful. Thank you

juniper66 12 Jan 2013

Hi, thank you so much for your response. However, I am not sure I have explained myself very well. The protruding area emerges from the inner ear but "spikes" out precisely at the top part of the earlobe, but it's origin is in the inner and the cartilage is very firm. Are you sure it's straight forward to remove this or lessen the protrusion ? Also, is it usual for this to become enlargened after an op and to settle down later ? The other ear does not have this same problem and I am fairly sure they were both even in this regard before the op. Thank you again in advance for all your help.

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