I'd like a second opinion: Do I need Otoplasty revision? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had my otoplasty about 9 months ago and I can see asymmetry between ears, I talked to my Doctor and he said this could be your best results and It may be over-corrected if you do it again. As I can do a revision under 1 year do you think this is acceptable results? or I should insist on doing a revision? when I take a photo asymmetry is more obvious! and even more from the back. Thank you!

Melinda A. Costa, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear KianooshBC,
You have a relatively mild asymmetry with respect to the amount of protrusion of your ears. You also have a very natural looking result. Whether to proceed with a revision depends in part on how much the asymmetry bothers you. In general, when we look at others in conversation, this kind of asymmetry would not generally be noticed. Ears that protrude quite a bit are noticed in conversation. Natural looking ears with mild asymmetry tend to go unnoticed. This is something that is noticed by you more than by those around you. If it's something that really bothers you, you might consider a revision. Talk with your surgeon and understand that while the revision may give your greater symmetry, there is a risk of overcorrecting your right side. I hope this helps!Sincerely, Melinda Costa, MDAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery, CertifiedAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member

Charles H. Thorne, MD · Answer

Your ears look good in that they look natural. They do not look “operated on”, which is a credit to your surgeon. One ear does protrude further than the other. Few things to remember: 1) Everyone has asymmetrical ears and after doing otoplasty for 30 years I have yet to create a perfectly symmetrical result. 2) If you have a revision you will still have asymmetry but it will be a different asymmetry than the one you have now! The argument for revision is that your ears, if anything, were under-corrected rather than over-corrected. Improving under-correction is much easier than improving over-correction. In summary, I do think a revision would likely make your ears slightly more symmetrical than they are now. I suggest that if you contemplate revision that you review the photographs in detail with your surgeon so you agree precisely on the goal. Ideally, how much closer to the head do you want the upper third of the ear, the middle third of the ear and the lobe and what surgical maneuvers will he/she use to approximate that goal?

I'd like a second opinion: Do I need Otoplasty revision? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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