Am I being unreasonable and did I expect too much from otoplasty result? (Photos)

Dear gracie80,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek re-evaluation with your surgeon or in-person second opinion consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who can perform a thorough evaluation and discuss with you the best management options to meet your goals. You may have residual swelling as it often takes up to 3-6 months or so to see final results with otoplasty. If you feel that is not an issue, you can further discuss with your surgeon what other options you can do at this time, including a possible small revision surgery. 

Thank you for submitting your concerns along with your photographs.Based on the information you have given I am truly sorry you are disappointed with your results. I would suggest you have a second consult with a Board-certified plastic surgeon for best results. Best of luck. 

Thanks for writing,Unfortunately there are no pre-op photos to compare, but based on what I can see the setback  or sutures technique or cartilage shaping technique or what ever was used didn’t work well. I would discuss this with your surgeon. The are typically very standard measurements and angulations for the ears when they are set back or reconstructed. The other issue is, what is the depth, shape and prominence of your conchal bowls. I recommend spending a little time researching this then have a calm discussion with your surgeon. Good luck Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSCertified: American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society for Aesthetics Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society of Plastic SurgeonsMember: RealSelf Hall of Fame 

This result is not acceptable as the ears are protruding. If you would like to have revision surgery, which is necessary, you should choose the Dr Merck Stitch Method. With this method, you are able to not only check but also help determine the new distance of your ears to your head yourself during and at the end of the operation. You will only leave the operating room when you are satisfied with the result. Moreover, this method is a very gentle and minimally invasive otoplasty.

You ask a very good question. It's important that you are asking yourself wether you are "expecting too much" from the surgery. I try my very best to set expectations with my patients prior to surgery.  Although not a perfect method, I will physically set back the patient's ear with my hands while they are looking in the mirror. I show them what my goals are and what results I feel are undesirable (i.e. overcorrected). I then ask the patient if they are in agreement with these goals. It is in this pre operative setting that we establish that our goals are unified. 3 months is still early to determine what the ultimate result will be, but if you are already seeing relaxation of your ear position, this is not going to improve with time.  Have you discussed your concerns with you surgeon? If you have not, I encourage you to do so. It isn't too early to discuss the possibility of a revision with your surgeon. Ear reconstructions are challenging.  No 2 ears are perfectly symmetric.  You will need to weigh the risks and benefits of the performing a revision vs. leaving it alone and accepting the asymmetry/prominence.  Be honest with your surgeon and express all your concerns. Good luck!