What surgery to change my helix shape? (Photo)

Question

I have always been unhappy with the top portion of my ears as they appear too small for for head due to being folded over and kind of pointy. I believe the part I dislike is the helix. I’ve read about otoplasty but it seems this is usually for patients with ears that are too prominent, the opposite of my problem. Neither of my parents have ears like this so I have always felt there was something wrong with me because of this feature.

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi ghostgazing

Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to result in a normal appearance.  To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Cosmetic ear reshaping can be performed to improve the shape of your ears so that they’re more symmetrical. The procedure will modify the helix and upper portion of your ears to make them less pointy and proportionately sized.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Yes!  That can be done.  We would likely be able to do this right in the office with a few dissolving stitches.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

The solution is a resection of the skin along the helix under local anaesthesia. However, this does not make the ear smaller or larger.

What surgery to change my helix shape? (Photo)

Answers (4)