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Cartilage Ear Scars After Otoplasty
I had otoplasty performed for protruding ears years ago. I am left with cartilage "scars" on both anterior antihelixes. On the left, the antihelix fold is so sharply bent that the overlying skin appears white. On the right there are small nodules on the antihelix fold. Incisions and sutures were done posteriorly so I am not sure how this happened? What can be done? The surgery was done 15 years ago.
Asked 33 months ago by
kl in mal in MD,USA
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Options for revision otoplasty
If it has been many years since the original otoplasty, the sharp edges can be contoured with an anterior approach and shaving of the sharp edges. In regards to the nodules, these are most commonly sutures that need to be removed; some are easier to remove than others.
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Otoplasty Correction Difficult When Cartilage Cut
Otoplasty when done properly works great with a success rate well above 90%. Sadly, some surgeons don't understand that you should never cut the cartilage to create the folds of the antihelix. Once cartilage is cut like this, it can never truly be corrected. It is possible that a revision surgery with smoothing of the edges and grafts over the cut edges could soften the unnatural crease and return it to something closer to normal. This is a very customized...
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Cartilage deformity after otoplasty
Cartilage deformities after otoplasty can be due to sharp bends or tears of the cartilage. These can be improved with certain grafting techniques but best avoided in the first place.
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Simple fix for unsightly results after remote otoplasty
In addition to Dr. Young's insightful comments, I would add that I have seen "old" otoplasty deformities corrected quite simply with direct incision overlying the crease and nodules, and then excision of the sharp cartilage edges. The incision on the ear heals beautifully, and often the sharp crease and nodules are gone too! Good luck.
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
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This can be revised but will be more involved
The sharp cartilages on your antihelix can be due to a number of things. When you create the antihelix with sutures in otoplasty / ear reshaping for protruding ears / prominent ears you can alter the way the sutures are placed so that they make the antihelix broader or thinner.
When they are made thinner by putting the sutures closer together, they have a tendency to make the antihelix sharper and there is a point that they can bend and create sharp angles. Also, some techniques entail...
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