Ear Deformed After Rhinoplasty. How Should This Be Fixed? (photo)

Question

Cartilage was taken from my right ear for a revision rhinoplasty. Most of my ear feels skeletal, but the really bad part is the middle ridge, where there's a cut (creating a dent) and then the ear on one side of the cut is protruding strangely. Part of the area is very red, while part is very white. What is the best way to fix this? Should I look for a surgeon who specializes in ear deformities like microtia? My rhinoplasty surgeon doesn't seem to know what went wrong or how to fix it.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Thanks for asking this question.  There are three options.  First is to live with it as its not a severe deformity and likely you are aware of it far more than anyone else. Second option is to smooth over the edges with further surgery.  I have used a Co2 laser to smooth over edges like this . The recovery is a few days.  The healing is a few weeks.  The laser can ablate the edges and new skin will heal over the area.  Final solution is reconstructive surgery where cartlage is added back to augment the area where cartilage was removed.  Cartilage from rib or other ear are options.  This procedure is the most complex and least predictable.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear hf77

	Thank you for the photos, they are very helpful.

	
		First, it is not clear how far post op you are at this point, but I would expect the redness to decrease over the next few months. If not schedule a follow up with your surgeon.
	
		I think your comment about seeking a consult with a surgeon who performs microtia repair or otoplasty is excellent. 
	
		You may have to consider the risks of using a little cartilage from the other ear to contour your right ear. 
	
		It depends on the quantity and quality of the remaining cartilage in your right ear.


	Best Wishes

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

yes, it is common to feel a bit skeletonized after ear cartilage harvest.  If the contour of the inferior crus bothers you, it may be possible to soften the look.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Based on the picture of your other ear it appears that you have had either fracture or removal of some of the cartilage in the inferior crus of the antihelix. This ought to be fairly simple to be smoothed out to blend with the rest of the antihelix and be less noticeable. Otherwise it's normal for the ear to feel "skeletonized" in the area of graft harvest.

Parviz Goshtasby, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 'Heidi71', thanks for your question.  I notice the contour deformity of the inferior crus of your antihelix, which is likely due to aggressive dissection and harvest of your ear cartilage for your rhinoplasty procedure.  Since that portion of your cartilage is now gone, it will be difficult to recreate the same ear contour as before without using some sort of cartilage graft from your other ear, rib, etc.  The good news is that most people do not stare at other people's ears and the divot can be smoothed out by shaving down the prominent portion of your ear cartilage, which can be done as an office procedure under local anesthetic.  This will lead to a much smoother contour that noone should notice.  I find it peculiar that your surgeon does not recognize this deformity, which is a risk factor after any cartilage harvest, especially if they are a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained in all aspects of head and neck plastic surgery.  Even if you had your procedure with an ENT (EAR, nose, throat) surgeon, they should be able to help you with this postoperative sequelae of your rhinoplasty surgery.  Good luck!

	-Dr.92660

Ear Deformed After Rhinoplasty. How Should This Be Fixed? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Ear deformity

Answer: Ear deformity

Answer: Ear Deformity after Cartilage Harvest for Revisional Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ear Deformity after Cartilage Harvest for Revisional Rhinoplasty

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Ear Deformed After Rhinoplasty. How Should This Be Fixed? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Ear deformity

Answer: Ear deformity

Answer: Ear Deformity after Cartilage Harvest for Revisional Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ear Deformity after Cartilage Harvest for Revisional Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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