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Otoplasty Asymmetry: Can I Get Minor Adjustment, Revision

asked 1 year ago by John M in Sydney
Latest answer by Thomas A Lamperti, MD
Question viewed 1,059 times
Tags: asymmetry, revision

3 months ago I had an Otoplasty... the swelling has gone and they’ve healed well. I’m happy with my left ear, but the right ear is about 4mm more projected than the left. Possibly it has been ‘under-corrected’, or has partially relapsed. I appreciate that exact symmetry is unrealistic, but feel that a 4mm difference is too much. Can minor adjustments can be made after the initial operation to correct residual asymmetries? Are these touch-up procedures quick and easy to perform? Risks?

12 answers to Otoplasty Asymmetry: Can I Get Minor Adjustment, Revision

+2

Asymmetry After Otoplasty: What to do?

Dear Otoplasty patient from Auckland, One the most common complications associated with Otoplasty is asymmetry. If your asymmetry has been present since your operation, this is under-correction. However, appearance of asymmetry one month after Otoplasty indicates a relapse. In any case correction can be made under local anesthesia with oral sedation. Good luck and good healing.  
Kevin Sadati, DO

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

You should wait a full year brfore considering Revision Otoplasty Surgery.

I read your concern. I don't think that a "minor adjustment" in the position of your ear is a minor undertaking. You would likely need to have the incision behind your ear re-opened, and have the skin behind your ear lifted, just like with your initial surgery, to place Moustarde sutures. Your ears may relax outward slightly over the next 9 months, so it would probably be best to sit tight till you see your final result. Feel free to email your photos, and I'll be... more
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Otoplasty: Techniques and pitfalls

The surgical term otoplasty represents a spectrum of surgical interventions that are focused on developing symmetric and refined ear shapes. The differences between you two ear shapes could represent a minor or more involved procedure depending on where the differences are located and the original surgical intervention. It is important to review this with your original surgeon, but take heart in knowing that it sounds very correctable. All the best, JMR
James M. Ridgway, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Minor Revisions after Otoplasty

Dear Auckland, Otoplasty for some people refers to just tucking the ears closer to the head, but also can refer to redefining the shape of the upper and lower poles of the ears.   I assume you are referring to the upper part (helix) of your ear that is 4 mm more projected than the other after surgery.  This area may be have a touch-up if necessary.  I would wait for the ears to fully heal (6-12 months).  Not all ears are alike, and a variety of... more
Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Minor Adjustments with Otoplasty

Certainly it is possible to make minor adjustments.  Depending on where and extent, it may even be possible to use an incision-less technique.  Check with your original surgeon.
Joseph Campanelli, MD

Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Otoplasty revision

Unfortunately, even in the most experienced hands, revision surgery is a part of plastic surgery.  Thankfully, it is relatively uncommon.  The most frequent complication associated with otoplasty is relapse.  You are probably already aware of this.  I agree that 4 mm of asymmetry is less than desirable.  Whatever the case, a "minor revision" should be possible under local anesthesia.  This may involve reopening the incision behind the ear and using... more
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Persistent asymmetry after otoplasty

Revising the persistently prominent ear may certainly be possible in your case. An examination would allow for a better assessment of what would need to be done to correct the problem.
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Otoplasty revision

The cartilage in the ear has "memory".  It wants to move back to its original shape. That is why most of us try to file down the front of the cartilage when we do this operation.  In any case, our office tends to wait a few months before considering re-do surgery.  This allows the swelling to go down.  The scar also needs to set up.  It is difficult to comment on your particular case without before and after photos.  Do tell your plastic surgeon... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Otoplasty revision

If the cartilage framework is close to symmetrical bilaterally,  many times a small (under 5-6mm) correction can be attained with a minor procedure.  That would involve a skin excision and should take no more than 10 minutes.  There is very little healing time associated with this.
Kenneth L. Stein, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Asymetry after otoplasty

This is an easy fix under local anesthesia.  It's simple straight fordard with minimal risk. I would recommend you discus it with you surgeon. Sincerely, Dr Gartner
Michael Constantin Gartner, DO

Paramus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Otoplasty: Minor Adjustment Procedure

Generally takes six months for the final results from an operation, sometimes longer. It is possible after the surgery for sutures to break or the work on the cartilage to change. This is actually more likely in an adult than a child. It is possible to do further revisions. It may be as simple as just putting one stitch or you may need to have some cartilage removed. No revision operation is quick and easy. But yours may be very simple. It is difficult to tell without a photograph. The... more
Andrew Kaczynski, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revision for asymmetry possible

Differentiating between relapse and under correction is easily done by asking one question- were the ears initially symmetric. If they were, then it's a relapse, if not, then under correction. Either way, since it has been 3 months, it is reasonable to undergo a revision at this point. Depending on what needs to be done, you may be able to have this done under local anesthesia. Good luck
Lawrence Iteld, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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