My earlobes stretched from neck lift surgery I want to have a round earlobes like before. How much does it cost? (Photos)

Question

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multilayered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

When your earlobes stretch from a facelift or necklift it's called having a pixie ear.  We can fix this, typically in the office.  You'll have stitches in for about a week.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about this issue for you.  Without a direct exam, it is hard to advise you on this over this forum.  I recommend you have your surgeon who did the facelift take a look and advise you since you are already in the care of a plastic surgeon.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Hello, your earlobes have pulled after your facelift due to too much skin being excised. This is called a pixie ear deformity.  This can be corrected with either a second facelift if it is time or by a local procedure to release the earlobe from the surrounding skin and setting it back up higher.  Talk to your surgeon as he should be able to correct this or if you would like consult with a surgeon experienced in facelifting.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

You have a great deal of stretching of the earlobe. In order to repair this I would need to see you in person because there may not be enough skin available at this time to elevate your earlobe and round it.  This is due to tension caused by your facelift.  See a very experienced facelift surgeon for this repair.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear babojiyoon999,
the appearance of your earlobes can be restored surgically. Many factors influence the cost of this procedure (experience of the surgeon, the city where you live, etc.).
You should visit a board-certified plastic surgeon in your local area to check the cost.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

You have what is referred to as a pixie ear.  This happens when there is too much tension on the skin after a face/neck lift, and as the skin contracts during the healing process the ear lobe is pulled with it.  This can be repaired by releasing the tension on the skin and repositioning the ear lobe.  I would recommend consulting with an experienced facelift surgeon for a more thorough evaluation.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Ernest Robinson, MD · Answer

Before considering costs, consult with different facelift surgeons in your area.  When too much pull is placed on your ear from surgery it can result in this look.  The surgery required to improve this "Pixie deformity" includes the earlobes and the surrounding areas.  This procedure should be performed to lessen the tension that occurs with healing, and to reshape your earlobe, at the same time.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there and thank you for the images. Stretched earlobes after a neck lift or facelift is called pixie ear deformity. This can be corrected with a earlobe repair procedure. If you are considering other ear lobe repair options, then a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon with a sub-specialty in Otolaryngology would be your best option, or you can go back to your performing plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation of your ears. 
Watch the attached video for more information.