Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!

Question

Had otoplasty performed, hoping to correct my protruding ears. After the procedure, my ears now have a "telephone" look, in which the middle portion is pinned, but the top and bottom portions are still stuck out. It has only been 3 days post-op, and my doctor says the "C" look will correct itself as the ears "spring" back out a few milimeters...but from what I read online on one post, most who receive this look immediately post-op, will have it stick with them for the most part.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on your surgeon's technique - did he or she use dissolvable or permanent sutures; were they sutured from periosteum to perichondrium or just from soft tissue to soft tissue; was conchal cartilage removed or just repositioned.  The only one who can answer all these questions and more is your plastic surgeon.  You trusted him or her with your looks and your life.  I think it might be a good idea to trust him or her with your recovery.  

	People who hate their ears sticking out and who have surgery are always so afraid the surgery won't work.  It's much too early to make any determinations.  Give time, time.

Thomas T. Le, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your result will get any better.  For now, what's done is done, so wait for the swelling to go down and then plan a revision 3-6 months after your surgery.  The problem likely was that the top part of your ear did not have enough correction....the sutures need to be specifically placed in strategically prepared areas of your ear in order to custom contour your ear.   Meanwhile, the bottom parts of your ear can be adjusted as well with a minor setback of the lobule.  Otoplasty and revision otoplasty are a tremendous passions of mine.  I would be happy to provide you a comprehensive evaluation!

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi SLC,

	Many patients have feelings of disappointment, regret, or remorse after having undergone cosmetic surgery and three days is way too short of a time to know your final results.  Things WILL change!  There is no question about that.  I recommend that you express your concerns to your surgeon and, this is the hard part, wait for at least 3 months before you make any final judgements about your happiness with the procedure.  If you are still unhappy with the results at that point, revision surgery can be considered.  You should stay in close contact with your surgeon and trust that he or she wants great results (and for you to be happy with the results) just as you do.

	Good luck!

Gordon Lewis, MD · Answer

I see what you are concerned about, but do not think you should be too alarmed yet.  I would suggest wearing a headband 24 hours a day for the next 3 weeks.  If you surgeon abraded or scored the anterior cartialge, you should get some retraction of the superior portion of the ear.  If this happens, I do not think you will be concered about the lower portion.  If the cartialge was not scored anteriorly, you are probably more likely to need a secondary procedure.  Either way you are very close to surgery and need to give this a couple months.

Michel Siegel, MD · Answer

I agree with the panel-wait until all the swelling is resolved. Then re-asses. Even if you do have a Telephone deformity, it should be relatively easy to correct.

	Best of luck,

	 

	Dr Siegel

Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!

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Bad Otoplasty? Opinions Please!

Answers (9)

Answer: Bad otoplasty

Answer: Bad otoplasty

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Answer: Bad otoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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