Can Ear Cartilage Grow Back After Being Harvest?

When properly performed, ear cartilage harvest results in little to no change in appearance to the ear.  The incision can be hidden in a crease behind the ear, and cartilage only from the center - which does not alter size, shape or appearance - is harvested.  

The video below is a little graphic, but shows the procedure in detail if you are intrested.  

Ear cartilage that is harvested for rhinoplasty will not grow back.  However, when done well, ear cartilage harvest will only leave a hidden incision in the crease behind your ear and will not otherwise change the appearane of your ears.  

Ear cartilage can be used for many surgical procedures and does not grow back.  The incision can be in the back of the ear or in the inner most curve in the front of the ear.  The cartilage that is removed and in a non critical and non structurally supportive portion of the ear thus the shape of the ear does not change.

Dr. ES