Ears look unnatural after facelift - can you explain why and can it be corrected? Is there a name for the disfigurement? (Photo)

Question

I had a full (not mini) facelift almost 7 months ago, with incisions from in temple hairline, behind tragus and around the bottom of earlobe, behind earlobe and into the hairline at the back. The earlobes seem to have been re-attached too far forward, and there is a very odd-looking crease where the ear joins the face. It looks very operated-on, and as if the ears are just stuck on to the sides of my face. What has the surgeon done (wrong) to create this unnatural look, and can it be revised?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Personally I don't think your earlobes look too much different but if there is something specifically to be altered this is easily done on the office with a bit of local anesthesia. I would however wait until healing is complete.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and post. A pixy ear deformity is when the earlobes are stretched down due to excess tension on the ear from the facelift. You don't have that. I do see a very subtle difference. If you are unhappy, discuss with your surgeon. He/she may be able to release the earlobe and reset it a little lower.  This can be done under local in the office.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

Thank you for sending images-While it is hard to tell from the incisions a well done facelift, therecan be some visibility. Around the ear lobe is one of the more common sites.Although it has been seven months, you can expect some further improvement of the incisionlines in this area. That said, if at the one year point the area around the ear lobe continues to be unsatisfactory,discuss with your surgeon the possibility of a scar revision. This can improve the scar, change the amount of ear attachment as well as alter the direction (somewhat). Consult with your surgeon and let them know your concern-  there are options for improvement.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

During a facelift, the earlobe is detached from the cheek skin, and then reattached.  Because of this they are always going to look a little different post-op.  You have a very slight difference in the post-op photos.  The most difference is the deep crease in front of the lobe.  This could be thinned out with a small revision.

Mark Prysi, MD · Answer

You need to wait at least a year. If there is is abnormality at earlobe a minor in office procedure will correct.

Ears look unnatural after facelift - can you explain why and can it be corrected? Is there a name for the disfigurement? (Photo)

Answers (5)