Can Ear Cartilage Grow Back After Being Harvest?

Question

Would it be possible for cartilage to grow back? how does a ear look after the harvest?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

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.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

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

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

While the cartilage will not grow back, hey well done harvest will not change the shape or function of your ear at all. There should be a nearly invisible scar behind your ear, and otherwise no trace.

	Good luck with your surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Ear cartilage does not grow back after being harvested from the conchal bowl.  If the cartilages been harvested properly, it will not create a visible defect on the ear.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Ear cartilage does not grow back after harvest.  The area usually harvested is the flat portion of the ear along the conchal bowl.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

When used during rhinoplasty, ear cartlage will not grow back. If the cartilage is taken with care and good judgement little effect will show.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, the cartilage removed does not grow back. If properly harvested, there is very little change in the appearance of the ear, except for a faint scar.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

No, the ear cartilage once removed will not grow back however it's common to use the conchal cartilage ffom only one ear.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

In 35 years of doing this work I've never seen ear cartilage grow back - I'm confident I never will. Properly harvested, there will not be any apparent change in the appearance of your ear.

Can Ear Cartilage Grow Back After Being Harvest?

Answers (10)