Cartilage Piercing Ok After Otoplasty?

Question

3 years ago i had a octoplasy on both ears and they both healed without any problems.. but i want to have my helix (rim of ear cartilage) pierced.. would it be ok to have it done? or would it go wrong? would the scar tissue react badly?? please help!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Many otoplasty procedures have permanent sutures around the helix and anti-helix to help develop the antihelical fold.  The suture can be quite close to the rim.  The biggest theoretic issue is introducing an infection on a permanent suture through a helical piercing.  Some surgeons use scoring techniques as well.  If a piercing enters a hits an already weak cartilage, there is a risk, albeit low of fracturing the ear and changing the appearance of the outer rim.

	Overall message, more than likely you will be alright but check with your surgeon on acceptable position for ear piercing.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Otoplasy is a wonderful procedure for reshaping the ears.  Once the results have healed into place, the cartilage should maintain the position forever.  Theoretically, after 2 months it is safe to pierce your helix; however, there is no guarantee it won't cause a problem.  Piercing through the cartilage always has a higher risk for infection.  Also, the piercing could accidentally cut through one of the sutures in the ear which could reverse the nice result.  If you must have it done, be sure to go to a piercing place that uses sterile techniques and has a good reputation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

At this point, your previous otoplasty should not pose a problem with  obtaining a piercing. Make your choices carefully remembering that your aesthetic tastes may change with time.

	Best wishes.

Ken Stewart, MD, FRCS Plast · Answer

Irrespective of whether it is after otoplasty or not  piercing through cartilage carries a risk of infection. If infection gets established within the cartilage it may cause distortion of the cartilage shape. Every year we have a few cases where the ear cartilage has been so badly damaged that we have to reconstruct it with rib cartilage.
The risks of infection are magnified after otoplasty as the surgeon may well have put permanent sutures into the cartilage to fold it back.
Sorry if you do not like the advice but its far safer to restrict your piercing to the lobe. For what its worth i gave my niece the same advice but she ignored me!

Robert Shumway, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I'm not much of a "piercing" fan, but after three years from an otoplasty and you have no problems: It is up to you!

Cartilage Piercing Ok After Otoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: No

Answer: No

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Piercing

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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Cartilage Piercing Ok After Otoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: No

Answer: No

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Piercing

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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.