Ear Surgery for Asymmetrical Ears?

Question

Help! My ears are different. One is close to the head and the other one is prominent. Can this be corrected? What is it called?

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

One of the main reasons patients seek otopalsty is to address asymmetries between the two ears. Most people have at least a minor degree of asymmetry between the two ears, but in cases of prominent ears the difference can be more obvious. One of the main challenges during an otopalsty  case is to factor in such differences of contours and angles and obtain results with minimal such asymmetries.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Asymmetry of the ears (and other parts of the face) is very common. Some patients have both ears that are prominent, while others may only have one ear that is more prominent. Otoplasty is the term for re-shaping and re-positioning the ears. In some cases, only one ear needs to be corrected so that it is more consistent with the less prominent ear and provides better overall symmetry to the facial appearance. 
Be sure to see an expert who focuses on facial plastic surgery as this is a technically challenging procedure to achieve natural and long-lasting results.
Best,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients who
undergo otoplasty, to have baseline ear asymmetry.  This asymmetry may occur for a variety of reasons.  These include asymmetry of the skull,
ear size, ear shape and ear position. 
In your case, you have a condition known as a unilateral prominent ear.

Correction of this problem usually
requires a setback otoplasty.  In
some cases a bilateral procedure may be necessary to attain symmetry.  The surgical correction for asymmetry
can be highly successful in this situation.

In other cases, it can be virtually
impossible to create symmetry.  In
cases where skull asymmetry is present or when the ear is abnormally
positioned, symmetry is probably not possible.  Under these circumstances, it may be more appropriate to
disguise the asymmetry.

When this type of situation arises
consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate.  This surgeon should be able to
formulate a treatment plan that’s appropriate for your problem.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You have to decide whether you would like to have both ears set back or just the one that is more projected.  The surgery is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient.  The healing time is one week and you would need to wear a head-band at night time for three months to prevent your ear from being pulled forward while you are turning your head in your sleep.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Asymmetrical ears can be corrected but it truly depends on whether the appearance of the less pronounced ear warrangs treatment. If yes, bilateral otoplasty is performed whereas a minor ear deformity may go untreated and focus will be placed on the more severe deformity.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

This can likely be corrected with ear reshaping, or otoplasty, surgery. It is actually quite common for people to present with one ear that sticks out farther than the other. In a majority of otoplasty cases that I perform here in San Diego, I will reshape both ears during the procedure. There are, however, many cases where I perform a unilateral (one sided) otoplasty to address one ear that is abnormally shaped/positioned where the opposite ear is completely normal. In fact, I have posted photos in our realself photo gallery of a patient who had this exact procedure.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Otoplasty is the name of the procedure that helps bring ears closer to the head. The procedures involves folding of the ear cartilages in a way to correct the excessive show of the ears.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Otoplasty is a procedure designed to reduce ear prominence. Most often, both ears are effected although asymmetry is common. If one ear appears right and the other one protruding, one-sided otoplasty through an incision placed in the crease behind the ear can correct this issue.
Best of luck!

Lorelei Grunwaldt, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for one ear to project more than the other.  Often this is caused by decreased folds in the cartilage of the ear on that side.  This can be corrected with a unilateral otoplasty where one ear is repositioned closer to the scalp via a well hidden scar on the back of the ear.  Sometimes both ears can be repositioned more posteriorly to give a more symmetric look.  Your surgeon will determine this after they examine your ears and look at the cartilage folds.

Mark Domanski, MD · Answer

Nobody's ears are perfectly symmetric.  The longer you study anybody's ears, the more differences you will note.
Ear prominence can be reduced via an otoplasty.  It is possible to reduce the prominence of one ear more than the other, or just one ear.
Best of luck on your journey.

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