Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underEar Surgery q&a

How Long After an Otoplasty Can I Get my Cartilage Pierced?

M
MariuhAug 1, 2012

About 3 weeks ago I had an otoplasty done, I am 15 years old and I really want to get my industrial ( ear cartilage ) pierced , I know in three months results will be complete so after that would it be okay if I get them pierced?

Answers (3)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
Anil R. Shah, MD profile photo
Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 374 Reviews
Answered on Sep 9, 2012
Answer
Dr. Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Dr. Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Aug 4, 2012
Answer
Dr. Robert Shumway, MD - Account Suspended
Dr. Robert Shumway, MD - Account Suspended
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Aug 2, 2012
Answer

More Ear Surgery Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS

Because so much tissue was disrupted including periostium and bone behind your ear, this tissue pushes the entire back of your ear forward causing your ear to stick out prominently.  There is always the possibility of a blood clot behind your ear, but that would be easy to spot because of...

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anil R. Shah, MD

An adult's ear is very difficult to mold non-surgically.  The reason is that cartilage of the ear is typically very elastic and has a high degree of memory to it.     In infants, ears can be molded quite effectively as the ears are quite soft.  However, past a few...

+4 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anil R. Shah, MD

Ears may be swollen for some time after an otoplasty.  It is best to follow up with your surgeon closely if there are any questions or concerns.  Give your ears about 6 months before seeking revision of ears.

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anil R. Shah, MD

One of the downsides to having otoplasty under general anesthesia is that the ears tend to swell more and that you can not see your result until the next day at the earliest.  I like doing otoplasty under local anesthesia so that I can show patients how their ears will look (albeit it with...

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anil R. Shah, MD

Many otoplasty procedures have permanent sutures around the helix and anti-helix to help develop the antihelical fold.  The suture can be quite close to the rim.  The biggest theoretic issue is introducing an infection on a permanent suture through a helical piercing.  Some...

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Anil R. Shah, MD

Repositioning ears can be performed in otoplasty.  However, it is much more difficult to reliably change this dimension in ears over a long period of time.  Often times, repositioning ears into a more vertical location involves changing the angle of orientation of the ear with the...

+8 answers
See all Ear Surgery Q&A
See more Ear Surgery Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE EAR SURGERY GUIDE →