Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Question

I have done an otoplasty surgery on both of my ears. My right ear was sticking out more than my left ear but instead my Doctor insisted I do both ears. The surgery was a complete fail, after two months my ear return to its normal position. My surgeon used the mustarde technique with dissolvable suture. My right ear seemed to unfold back to its original position given me an unnatural fold. Please am asking for any Doctor out there to give me some feedback or advice, on how to go about it.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are dissatisfied with the results of your surgery, get an answer from your surgeon.  He/she should have an explanation for you.  Listen and determine if you have any confidence in that person's remedy.  If not, it is time for you to see other surgeons in order to get to the bottom of your objectives - ears that are aesthetically pleasing.  Ask them about their techniques and compare.

David Mather, MBBCh, MA (Oxon), FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

The suture technique has a 10% chance of failing even with permanent sutures. I would suggest returning to your surgeon to show them the problem you have and asking them what to do next.  It is worth giving them a chance to put things right.
Usually the only option is repeating the surgery, but this can be done to try to correct the problem you have identified and might be a smaller operation than before if some of the sutures have held their position. 
I use a clear prolene suture and bury the knots deep under a layer of normal fascial tissue to prevent them from interfering with the skin.
For patients with prominent ears that are caused by a poor fold i use Earfolds which are implants that hold the ear cartilage in place,  and so far the patients have been delighted with this short procedure

Good luck.

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

I recommend that you have a revision otoplasty using a permanent stitch. I typically use a type of stitch called mersiline since it is strong enough to withstand the forces of the cartilage wanting to pop back out. I also sometimes remove extra skin or score the cartilage to weaken it and encourage it to remain in the position I put it in in surgery. Lastly, I require all my patients to wear a headband over the top of their ears for support for 2 weeks. 
I know it's frustrating to have to go through another procedure, but it is a very straightforward fix in the right hands. 
Best of luck to you,
Sarah Saxon, MD

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

As dissolvable sutures were used, it is not surprising that your ears have returned to their original position. I recommend you repeat the operation, but this time with the Dr. Merck Stitch Method, by which permanent, non-absorbable sutures are used. Moreover, you can check and co-determine the new position of your ears during the operation with this method.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with your ear surgery. There are many techniques in otoplasty to make a prominent year look better. Among them, stitches from your cartilage behind the ear to the bone (mustarde) are one of the many techniques. It appears to me from your photographs that you probably also lack an anti-helical fold. This will make the top part of the year fold away from your head. This may require another maneuver to deepen that crease and fold that portion of the ear backward. Likewise, sometimes in addition to sutures, some of the extra cartilage behind the ear may need to be removed. If you lack confidence in your present surgeon, you may want to seek a second opinion. Hope all goes well.

Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answer: Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answer: Otoplasty questions

Answer: Otoplasty 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.

Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answer: Why did my ear relapse back to its original position? Are otoplasty results permanent?

Answer: Otoplasty questions

Answer: Otoplasty questions

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.