Ear pulled by barber 11 months post-op (Photo)

Question

I had otoplasty 11 months ago. I have told my barber not to pull too hard on my ears since my surgery. Today I went to a different barber and didn’t tell him anything about being careful with my ears. He pulled on them a lot. I assumed it would not be a big deal as I had read that at this point after my surgery my results would be stable. One of my ears now appears swollen (slightly purple/red). Is it possible that this ear pulling/potential swilling could affect my results?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

By 11 months, the results of your surgery should be stable enough that some pulling on your ears has no negative impact. Your ears may just be a little swollen from how much they were handled by your barber. If the pain doesn’t go away in a day or two, of if you are concerned, please see your surgeon.

Ear pulled by barber 11 months post-op (Photo)

Answers (2)

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