Overcorrected ears, 6 months post op. What are the chances of it going back to it's original shape in a revision surgery?(photo)

Question

My ears fold over and stick out at the top. I assume from what I been reading it’s pinned to strongly in the middle? My question is can it be reversed to its original position before surgery?? It’s been 6 months since I had the operation. I don’t find the current shape satisfactory at all. What’re the chances of it going back to its original shape in revision surgery. I don’t

Walid Sabbagh, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.
 It is difficult to give you a very accurate answer just from photographs. The possibility to partly reverse the surgey will depend on the surgical technique that was used. If this appearance is because of excessive removal of conchal cartilage (bowl of your ear) then it cannot be reversed unless more cartilage is added to support the ear. This will involve using rib cartilage.
If the cause of the appearance is because the antihelical fold has been over corrected then it may be possible to undo some of this effect by releasing the scar tissue and unfolding the cartilage but this is not guaranteed.
You need to see a Plastic Surgeon who has an interest in ear reconstruction survey.

Aaron J. Mayberry, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, jasongrimo.  It is very difficult to answer that question without seeing your preoperative pictures. If just the protruding top is bothering you then additional sutures can be placed higher up to improve the position.  If you had cartilage removed from the conchal bowl then you will not be able to correct it. Obtaining rib cartilege for something like this is a looong run for a short slide.  Your best bet would be to follow up with your surgeon and discuss your concerns.  Good luck!

Dr. M

Nodas Kapositas, MD, PhD · Answer

I saw your photos very carefully.Before someone decide to advise you  for an effective revision otoplasty and to return your ears as they were before your surgery must see you in person.Evaluating your photos two possible techniques your plastic surgeon has done on your case.Either he scored  the antihelical fold and holded  the ear cartilage  in the new position with non-absorbable stitches or he brought the ear conchal cartilage back to your head (to mastoid) with stitches.It is looks to me that he did the first opeartion.In both cases you can revise your otoplasty and remove the stitches after a wide undermining of the skin.We have  done similar cases and we achieved about 50-60% of the pre-surgical anatomy of the ear.
My advice is to contact your surgeon who knows better than every one else the technique he followed on your case.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi jasongrimo,
While the photos are not clear enough, you may be right that you have overpinning along the middle part of the ear. The truth is, reversing the otoplasty can be complicated as you will need a cartilage spacer for that. You can consider pinning the upper part back if the pinnedback look doesn't bother you as much as asymmetric look.

Overcorrected ears, 6 months post op. What are the chances of it going back to it's original shape in a revision surgery?(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Reverse Otoplasty

Answer: Reverse Otoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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

Overcorrected ears, 6 months post op. What are the chances of it going back to it's original shape in a revision surgery?(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Reverse Otoplasty

Answer: Reverse Otoplasty

Browse related questions

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.