Earlobe stretched after face & neck lift. What can I do? (photo)

Question

I had a face & neck lift in December 2012. My left earlobe has been constantly changing, it is very stretched and is attached to my neck. I have very little feeling in my face at the sides of my cheeks and around my earlobes. I feel very unfortunate about it. I expected a better result from my facelift. Please see attached pictures:

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

This problem can be corrected with an in-office procedure.  Your original surgeon or board certified plastic surgeon should be consulted regarding what we call a pixie ear deformity.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

This looks like a pixie ear deformity which is known to occur with this surgery.  You should discuss this with your PS as it can be improved.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a pixie ear deformity and is an uncommon complication of a facelift.  This can be fixed by repositioning the attachment of the ear lobule.  It does not improve on its own, so it's best to start the conversation with your surgeon.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You have a pixie ear deformity.  Fortunately, this can typically be corrected with a small procedure under local anesthesia.  Best wishes!

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

When reattaching the ear lobe during a facelift, care must be taken to avoid downward tension on the lobe. If there is too much tension, a deformity know as pixie or satyr ear can develop. This can be corrected fairly simple. Talk to your surgeon about this issue.  Good luck!!

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

In some patients the ear lobe will pull inferiorly over a few month period as they heal, creating a pixie ear.  While it looks pretty good at 5days, it pulled down as the skin healed.  We think this may happen if the wound is tight and the skin retracts pulling the ear downward.  Once you have healed up this can be repaired by moving the earlobe back up.  You want to wait until there is some skin laxity so that the scar can also be moved up and hidden behind the ear.  Your surgeon can decide when this can be done.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Your earlobe is being pulled down on the neck, called a "pixie ear deformity".  Unfortunately the scar settled down and pulled the earlobe with it.  There are ways to improve this, but depending on what is done, the scar can extend down the side of the jaw/neck.  Best to return to your surgeon and have a discussion about what can be done.  The good news is there are ways to improve it.  Best of luck.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

This can happen after surgery and I don't see anything wrong with the earlobe at 5 days after your procedure. This is quite easy to fix so follow up with your PS and discuss this with them.

Matthew G. Stanwix, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your earlobe and the picture shows you have the most common mistake that plastic surgeons make during a facelift. Unfortunately it is also one of the toughest to correct. The problem is called a pixie ear deformity. The reason it happens is because your surgeon made the mistake of having pressure on the earlobe during your facelift closure.There are many ways to correct it, but I would address this with your plastic surgeon because it involves a deep discussion.. The key to avoid this is by having absolutely no tension on the earlobe during closure. When i perform Facelifts you do not even need a stitch at that location. That is how little tension you should have on the earlobe and that's how one avoids a pixie ear deformity. I'm sorry about you situation and best wishes.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You appear to have your earlobe stretched.  Although right after the surgery it seems like your surgeon has sutured it into the right place, it has clearly stretched over time in a downward fashion.  A revision of the earlobe may be beneficial.  Have you spoke to your surgeon about a revision?

Earlobe stretched after face & neck lift. What can I do? (photo)

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