After otoplasty ears are slowly returning to the original position - 1.5 weeks post-op.

Question

Dear doctors, I am 1.5 weeks post otoplasty. It seems like my ears are sticking further and further every day. I feel like immediately after the surgery they looked perfect, but now they are almost back to the previous position. There is still swelling, and the scar scabs are still in place. Is it possible that when they are healed, they will become closer to the head? Or will a correction be required? Thank you very much in advance!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Please allow for about 6 months to pass before assessing your results. It is possible that swelling is hiding your results. Once the swelling has gone down you can talk to your surgeon about your concerns should they still exist.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on the technique your plastic surgeon used, this may be a normal post operative situation which will improve with time.  There are many ways to skin a cat, and there are even more ways to do an otoplasty.The Stenstrom procedure causes a great deal of post op swelling if done by itself.  It's possible to have a hematoma or seroma that needs to be drained causing excessive protrusion from the head.  The Mustarde otoplasty technique folds the ear cartilage backward to create a more defined antihelical fold.  Here sutures may fail leading to protrusion.  The Furnas type otoplasty sews the ear cartilage to mastoid periosteum.  Here a seroma or mild injury can pop these sutures leading to again a great deal of protrusion.As you can see from the paragraph above, there are a number of possible causes for your post operative protrusion.  At this point, the most appropriate thing I can think of is to see your personal plastic surgeon to get his or her opinion as to the etiology of the problem and what is the best solution.

Grant A. Fairbanks, MD · Answer

I understand your concerns.  After an otoplasty, the ears should be in the
position placed at the time of surgery even with the swelling.  Occasionally ears will become a little more
prominent.  This may be a result of the
suture becoming loose or coming through the cartilage through which it was sewn.  These ears typically need a revision.  I recommend that you followup and discuss
this with your surgeon.  I hope that all
works out for you and the end.

Brooke French, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question regarding your recent otoplasty.  Without images or an examination it is difficult to comment with accuracy but do know that after any surgery there will be a period of swelling that can temporarily obscure the results.  Best to adhere to your surgeon's post operative instructions and follow up with any concerns.  Best of luck to you and I hope you have an excellent outcome!

After otoplasty ears are slowly returning to the original position - 1.5 weeks post-op.

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty healing expectations

Answer: Otoplasty healing expectations

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After otoplasty ears are slowly returning to the original position - 1.5 weeks post-op.

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty healing expectations

Answer: Otoplasty healing expectations

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.