Otoplasty, should the lobes also be pinned back? (Photos)

Question

I had otoplasty about 6 months ago, however I feel that my lobes still stick out, should these have also been pinned back? I don't like the appearance of my ears from the back and the lobes still stick out from the front. Is this normal and can this be corrected?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Generally speaking, the upper and mid ear are set back during otoplasty, while the earlobes may be untouched. An additional procedure may be performed to reduce the prominence of the earlobes.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs. From your photographs, it appears that your prominent ear projection has not been corrected and that your earlobes were not set back. When considering only the cartilage that is in your ear, there’s a small tail of cartilage at the very bottom which is inside the earlobe. This cartilage, is called your cauda helicis.   When this cartilage is sutured back to the other cartilage in your ear, the earlobe moves back closer to your head. A revision otoplasty would be required to correct your concerns and could be performed under local anesthesia with a relatively quick recovery time.   Best wishes.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Typically the earlobes don't need pulling back in Otoplasty. Its mostly the middle and the upper part of the ear. However if they bother you then get them pulled back. The photos from behind only don't give a good idea of the degree of protrusion. 
Regards
Dr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If someone's ears are protruding at the top and at the bottom, specifically with a deep console bowl and unfurling of the antihelix, Suture otoplasty may be considered for a less distracting ear appearance by repositioning somebody's ears closer to their heads, and by creating normal ear architecture. When we do these maneuvers, sometimes the earlobes stick out a bit. Experience, a good remedy may be artful earrings. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Otoplasty, should the lobes also be pinned back? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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