I have extra skin on the side of my ear, is it removable? How can I make it less noticeable? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am a 14 year old girl who is very self-conscious about my ears. First of all, they are both prominent, my left ear sticking out more than the right. Also, on my more protruding ear (left ear) there is a piece of triangular-shaped ('extra' skin, I suppose) on the side of it which sticks out, making me hate the appearance of it. Is there anything at all that can be done to remove this small piece of skin? Could i make it less visible? Can it be removed surgically? Thank you.

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. What you are noticing about your ears are very common complaints. The prominence of your ears is related to two factors. Your antihelix cartilage fold is not strong or defined. This leaves your ear landmarks I'll-defined and the helix protruding out and down from the head. In addition, the cartilage of the bowl, the concha cavum, is prominent. Surgical alteration of these can be down to better define the ear anatomy and place the ear closer to the head.in addition, the triangular fold you are talking about is called Darwin's tubercle. It is also common to see in ears but some are more prominent that others. This too can be reduced with surgery.if these bother you, I would discuss this with your parents and decide if a visit with a bird certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon is warranted.good luck!

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. 85% of the ear development is completed at the age of 3 and 93% at the age of 10. Because of that, this process can be carried out in the preschool period without the child having a social trauma. I wish you all the best.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Both of your concerns can be treated surgically.  Prominent ears (ears that stick out too much) are typically due to:1.  conchal bown hypertrophy:  the seashell-shaped bowl just behind the ear canal is too deep2.  absence/ poor development of the anti-helical fold:  the Y-shaped structure bordering the concha is not well-developedBoth of these problems can treated with otoplasty, or ear-shaping surgery.  While an exam is necessary to diagnose your issues, your photos suggest a poorly-developed anti-helical fold.  They also show Darvin's tubercle, or a thickened bump of cartilage on the helical rim, the very outer part of the ear.  This can also be treated during otoplasty, and will typically leave a tiny scar either just in front or behind the helical rim.Your best first step is to schedule an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon who performs otoplasty, or ear-shaping surgery, regularly.  Reviewing before-and-after photos, undergoing an in-person exam, and having a thorough discussion about treatment and recovery expectations should prove very useful to you.  Good luck!

Jawed Tahery, FRCS · Answer

Hi,this is a combination of slight skin and cartilage prominence and can be resected surgically under local anaestheti!BwMr Jawed TaheryConsultant ENT/Facial Pkadtic SurgeonChester,UK

Max Gouverne, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi Aurora, this is called "Darwin's Tubercle" and it is present in about 10% of the population. It is genetically transmitted (do any of your family members have it?) It can be removed with local anesthesia and it can be part of a more formal otoplasty-- ear pinning. Talk to Mom and Dad and ask for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. 14 is a great age for an otoplasty. Good Luck Dr Gouverne

I have extra skin on the side of my ear, is it removable? How can I make it less noticeable? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Skin/Cartilage prominence helix

Answer: Skin/Cartilage prominence helix

Answer: The little bump is called....

Answer: The little bump is called....

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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I have extra skin on the side of my ear, is it removable? How can I make it less noticeable? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Skin/Cartilage prominence helix

Answer: Skin/Cartilage prominence helix

Answer: The little bump is called....

Answer: The little bump is called....

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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