How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side? (photo)

Question

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I have seen your situation many time in performing revision facelift.  There is no well defined line separate from the cheek.  So the jawline sags and brings the earlobe with it.  The correction is quite simple.  Detach and  round out the lobe so there’s not such a long attachment of the lobe to the cheek.  In most cases to do it right requires a pretty substantial revision of other parts of the facelift because all the facial skin will now need to be redraped differently.  But the overall effect will be to make the entire facelift more natural.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multilayered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Pixie ears that develop after facelift surgery can usually be corrected with a revision that can be done in the office.  I would discuss this option with your surgeon.  In most cases, the same incisions around the earlobe from the facelift can be used.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

There are different ways to fix the deformity.  It would involve scar revision and some repositioning of the tissue in the area.  It can be done under local anesthesia in an office setting in most cases. Best wishes. WirthPlasticSurgery.com

Helena Guarda, MD · Answer

Unfortunately tension on the incision line has stretched the ear giving it this shape.. Depending on what the remaining results are, this may be corrected in the office under local anesthesia. Resecuring the underlying tissue will reduce the tension and the skin. I would return to your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns and how they can be corrected.
Best of luck

How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side?

Answer: How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side?

Answer: Pixie ear following facelift

Answer: Pixie ear following facelift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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

How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side?

Answer: How would you fix my pixie ear? Would a surgeon cut in the same incision or make two new ones either side?

Answer: Pixie ear following facelift

Answer: Pixie ear following facelift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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