Can surgery fix this cauliflower-like scar tissue on my ear? (photos)

Question

I once fell on my ear and since then there is a scare on my ear and it’s a bit thickened. At that spot my ear is not very flexible and the scar is hard as well. That’s why it feels a bit like sleeping on a small rock. I get pain if I lie with my ear on something hard. Is it possible to fix my ear and rearrange the scar and make the thick part thinner? I was told my doctors in my area that the surgery is too difficult and in some cases they even would need to take tissue from my rip to fix it.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yes that thickened scar tissue can be thinned out with a pretty basic type of surgery. And the incisions can be place behind the ear

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to surgically remove the thickened cartilage and scar tissue. Please find a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in cosmetic ear surgery.

Can surgery fix this cauliflower-like scar tissue on my ear? (photos)

Answers (3)