Otoplasty concerns - how can this extra skin be treated? (Photo)

Question

Extra skin giving the appearance of an extra fold in conceal bowl of ear after otoplasty. Concerned that this will not heal properly and seeking any feedback/guidance before meeting with my surgeon for post-op evaluation

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. This photo looks like it was taken immediately after otoplasty. When conchal cartilage is removed, it can cause the skin to look a little bunched up like this. I've seen this plenty of times immediately after surgery, and then watched it flatten out and contract as the swelling goes down and healing progresses. So for now, I would just let healing take its course and follow-up with your surgeon to ensure there's no fluid collection that needs to be aspirated. In the unlikely scenario that it doesn't flatten, a minor revision could be done to correct it.
Best,Dr. Tower

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I can see your concern in the photo. Is that extra bulge of tissue in the concha soft to the touch? If it is, it could just be a small collection of fluid that could be drained in the office at a follow-up visit. Certainly bring this to the attention of your surgeon as soon as possible. I hope this helps. And thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph.

Otoplasty concerns - how can this extra skin be treated? (Photo)

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