Can my ear be reduced in size? Not pinned back, but actual size of the ear made smaller (Photo)

Question

I am considering getting my ears reduced in size. They are huge. They look much bigger than in the pictures. One sticks out a bit, the other doesn't. That's not my main concern though. I really hate the size of my ears, not their prominance. I read that this type of surgery leaves unacceptable scar. Is this true? How noticeable is the scar? I hate my long ears, they make me ugly and self conscious.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Your ears are optimal for reduction without any pinning back. The medial third of the ears is perfect, howeer the upper third is overdeveloped and the lobe (lower third) is large. The lobe reduction is with an horizontal L shaped scar; the upper pole reduction is with a T scar (fleur de lys resection). The scars are visible before and behind the ears, of medium to good quality. In motivated patients the scars are a very much acceptable price.If you are so unhappy I recommend you go ahead with it.

Danny Soares, MD · Answer

The shape, size, and configuration of the ear varies tremendously from person to person, and between ethnic groups. Despite this, there are several standard measurements that aid in guiding a surgeon toward creating a more "normal" sized ear. Because your photos do not include the eye and nose, it is difficult to specifically assess the size of the ear relative to your face, and this is important, because often the cause of "large ears" are simply large/prominent ear lobes, which is easily fixed. On a profile view, the top of your ear should be approximately at the level of the brow, while the lower edge of the earlobe should match the position of the lower margin of your nose. The ear should also be tilted back with an angle that roughly matches that of your nasal bridge. Looking at the photos of your ear, it appears to be well developed with good landmark formation. Specifically, the "anti-helix", a portion of the ear that often is poorly developed in individuals with prominent ears, is well defined in your case. If both ears shown in the photos are yours, then it appears that the right is more prominent than the left, with a larger lobe size. In discussing or contemplating an otoplasty (ear-reshaping surgery), I strongly recommend that you visit a facial plastic surgeon and sit down with him/her to go over specifically which portion of your ear concerns you. Again, because ears vary so much in size and shape, it is critical that the surgeon be able to assess their size in relation to your face; they should fit your face without drawing unneccessary attention away from important parts such as the eyes. Depending on how much reshaping needs to be performed, an otoplasty can be either a very quick (e.g. earlobe reduction) or long (e.g. correction of severe ear deformities) procedure.  I wish you best of luck!

Can my ear be reduced in size? Not pinned back, but actual size of the ear made smaller (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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Can my ear be reduced in size? Not pinned back, but actual size of the ear made smaller (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.