Can Ear Surgeries Be Revised?

Question

I had my ears pinned. The ears are not pinned the same amount, and one is pinned back too far. Is this a procedure that can be "reversed" at least a bit?
Michael

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Occasionally, patients who undergo
otoplasty require secondary revisional surgery.  This type of surgery can be performed when residual
deformities are present but can be difficult. Post-surgical changes and scarring
can contribute to this difficulty.

When the ears are too close to the
side of the head, revision can be accomplished by releasing structural sutures
and scarring.  In most cases
symmetry can be accomplished with this approach. Occasionally a bilateral
procedure may be necessary to obtain symmetry.  This might involve bringing the opposite ear closer to the head with additional structural sutures.

It’s important to discuss these
issues with your plastic surgeon. 
After a physical exam your surgeon should be able to formulate an
appropriate treatment plan for your asymmetry.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Reversing an otoplasty can be challenging and difficult to predict. However, if this is a concern, the wound can be explored and possibly reversed.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is possible to reverse slightly the ear that is pinned too much although it is a challenging procedure. It might be easier to pin the other ear back further. Conservative measures if your are not too far out can help the ear that is pinned back too much as well. I hope this information helps.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

The answer is - probably. You should first allow adequate time to completely heal following your otoplasty procedure. This means waiting up to 6-9 months before making a final judgement regarding the outcome. It is not unusual for the ears to heal in an asymmetric manner. This can be explained by many factors, including degree of asymmetry before the procedure as well as bleeding or swelling on one side more than the other. Eventually much of the asymmetry noted during the first few months resolves, leaving the ears looking more even down the road.

If there is still a difference that is obvious, most experienced otoplasty surgeons can perform a revision procedure to improve the situation. This might involve bringing one ear in further or releasing one ear to allow it to move outward a short distance. I would recommend revisiting the surgeon who performed the ear reshaping, since they would know best what was done to the ears the first time. Good luck.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Revision of otoplasty is possible but not always easy. The most common type of revision is for minor asymmetries. Ears that are pulled too tight against the head may require use of skin grafts to correct.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, an otoplasty can be revised.   A surgeon could release the amount of pinch on one ear in effort  make it look symmetrical to your other ear.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The ear can be set out by adding tissue or removing sutures that hold the rim back, depending on what the problem is. This is usually done under local anesthesia. As with all revision plastic surgery, make sure you see a surgeon with a great deal of experience.

Carlo Honrado, MD, FACS · Answer

If there are issues from your initial otoplasty, you can choose to do a revisional otoplasty. Depending on what point you are at during your healing process, you should wait to see the full results. If enough time has passed, I recommend seeing your facial plastic surgeon for a revisional otoplasty or obtain a couple of opinions from other facial plastic surgeons to ensure the best results.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

An otoplasty can be revised to correct asymmetry or under correction but it is advisable to wait for the residual swellng to go down before anticipating the need for such surgery.  A revision can be performed under local anesthesia in the office.

Gregory Pippin, MD · Answer

Revision otoplasty is possible. I would recommend seeing your surgeon to get his opinion on your result. If you have any concerns after this visit seek a second opinion. I often tell patient's "Breasts are like sisters, they look alike, but are not identical". This goes for ears as well. Warmest Regrards, Dr. Pippin.

Can Ear Surgeries Be Revised?

Answers (20)

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