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Thank you for your question. Darwin's tubercle is a congenital ear condition which often presents as a thickening on the helix at the junction of the upper and middle thirds. This is a normal anatomic variant present in about 10% of the population. If the appearance of this condition causes concern, it can be improved with a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia in the office. Following surgery, the ear displays a more smooth contour. Any surgical incision leaves a scar by definition, but the incision site is usually not noticeable. This procedure may be performed on an uncurled helix.
A Darwin's tubercle would need to be removed surgically, no matter where the location is. Any time an incision is made, a scar will form. The important part about the incision is in making it as inconspicuous as possible. In most cases on the ear, this can be normally be done.
The answer is no, surgery cannot be performed without a scar. The goal is that the deformity be corrected and the scar is camouflaged enough to avoid detection. This always includes the thoughtful placement of incisions, which can be completely out of site, hidden along shadows or natural curves, and performed meticulously enough to achieve excellent healing. For a Darwyn's tubercle the incision would be made on the posterior surface of the ear and the tubercle excised after the skin was elevated anteriorly over the tubercle. The skin on the posterior surface of the ear almost always heals favorably.
One of the mantras in plastic surgery is that every incision leads to a scar. With that said, proper placement of the incision and meticulous execution of the procedure and wound closure leads to scars that are imperceptible. I agree with Dr. Winkler that this can be approached from behind the ear and add that the incision can also be placed just inside the rim of the ear. Thus, there are a couple of different options to approach removal of a Darwinian tubercle that creates a scar that should not be noticeable to anyone but you and your plastic surgeon. To determine which approach would be ideal would require detailed photos or a consultation. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery
Thank you for your question. Based on your description, I would advise you to follow up with your surgeon for an examination. You might possibly need a dressing change and/or a wound wash.
I agree with the other experts, don't sell yourself short by trying to get by with a lesser procedure. Revision with internal sutures is the right choice. Dr. ES
Thank you for you inquiry. Before your intervention, a preoperative ear assessment is necessary in to order to analyse which modifications need to be done. Whether or not it will involve cutting behind the ear will be discussed and determined during consultation. The average going rate in ...
Thank you for your question. Typically a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT) will handle these issues. Hard to say anything without photos or an exam. Sometimes placement of an tissue expander, followed by excision and closure, can be done. Sometimes tissue needs to be...
The surgeon said that the stitches would be removed in the office, and I would not anticipate any problems with having had them placed temporarily. I do not use this technique, but the sutures should not leave any marks if removed early enough. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
You can expect swelling to the ears for several weeks after surgery. I think it is too early to make and decision on results but I do think that you should follow up with your plastic surgeon for examination.
