I had ear lobe surgery a week ago and have a pointy like appearance, advice? (photo)

Question

I want to know if ear will not be so pointy after a another week or two

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

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

At 1 week post-procedure, your ear is still in the healing process. It is likely that you are still dealing with some degree of swelling. Give yourself some time to heal and reevaluate your results in a few weeks. If at that point you are still unhappy with the ear’s appearance, I would recommend conversing with your surgeon about a possible revision. Best of luck with your healing process!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Awdalbie,you are still in the early phase of recovery process and there is still some swelling after the surgery. I would suggest you to wait some time to see the final results. If you are concerned, then you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lisa Friederich, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question and picture. As others have said, you will still have some swelling at this stage of your recovery. From the scar on your ear, it looks as though you have had a horizontal wedge (like a slice of pizza) excision which extends out to just above the pointy part you are concerned about, so more tissue was taken close to your cheek and less in the region at the end of the scar.  This may all settle with time, but if it doesn't I think it will be due to remaining vertical tissue excess in this area.  
Follow your post op scar protocol, give your wound some time to settle, but then speak with your surgeon if this problem persists. 
Good luck

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

Your ear may look "pointy" because you can have swelling 1 week after an earlobe surgery.  Also, depending on how your ear looked before the surgery, that may have been the best option for reconstruction.  I recommend that you wait a few weeks for the final results and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

It's very early still.....stay the course and be patient. At 6-12 weeks you will have a better idea of the ultimate outcome. Good luck!

I had ear lobe surgery a week ago and have a pointy like appearance, advice? (photo)

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