Could a dermal piercing work as an alternative to an Otoplasty?

Question

Would it be possible to get a dermal piercing directly behind the antihelix or antihelical fold , then have a piercing in through the ear and have it almost tied down like an anchor thus then pinning the ear back. Would this seem to be a reasonable alternative to otoplasty and if it wouldnt be could you help me understand why not? thanks, David

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

There are many ways to perform a procedure but essentially the techniques of otoplasty have been tried and proven over many years. They require multiple point of anchorage, repositioning of cartilage and removal of skin. Ultimately, an ear piercing may exert some effect but unless you want 8 piercings along the back of the ear and then further piercing between the side of the scalp and the ear then an otoplasty may then start to sound more appealing. RegardsDr Guy Watts

Talon Maningas, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a good thought however it would be unlikely to work. My concern would be the tension required to keep the antihelical fold folded. To tie this fold down like an anchor would take a fair amount of tension and I'm afraid that the ring or post used keep the fold would create pressure on the skin at the entry and exit points which would ultimately cause the skin to die. Further more when we re-create an anti-helical fold we typically use 3-4 sets of sutures starting at the top of the ear progressing all the way down towards the lobe - one piercing would likely not satisfactorily re-create the fold. Without pictures its hard to tell how much correction you need. I like your ingenuity though and it is a very though provoking question.

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