Are these pixie ears? (photos)

Question

Are these pixie ears?

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Your photos show some descent and elongation of the earlobes in the post operative views.  This can be caused by downward tension on the earlobes, possibly from excessive tension on the skin closure or from anchoring the mobilized SMAS to mobile rather than fixed tissue.  When extreme this is often referred to as a pixie ear.

Robert G. Bonillas, MD · Answer

Hi there. I believe the third set of your photos are your postoperative photos? If so, it does seem to be a very mild pixie ear deformity. I wouldn’t call it a classic case of pixie ear deformity. These can be corrected with a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia, removing a wedge of tissue and bringing the earlobe up. The treatment is very effective when done correctly. Hope this helps? Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for providing photos along with your question. Based on these images, you do appear to have pixie ears, specifically the tethered earlobe that seems attached to the side of the cheeks (although a face-to-face evaluation is best to confirm this). Fortunately, surgery can correct pixie ears. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can evaluate your ears, recommend the best course of action, and ensure the best possible results.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

No, pixie ears tend to be more pulled down and sharper.  However, if you feel your ears have changed after a facelift, and you don't like the new shape, talk to the doctor.  This can be addressed.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yes those are pixie ears.,it is pretty simple to prevent or correct them. If the surgeon knows how. It is truly amazing that many surgeons don’t know the simple way to avoid this that works like a charm. The key is to convert an attached lobe to a smaller detached earlobe that doesn’t drag down. You would think after years of training and practice surgeons would figure it out. There are examples on my IG site

George Yang, MD · Answer

Hi, Yes, I do see that your left earlobe looks pixied. The right one is slightly elongated, but your original earlobe hangs down slightly lower than the attachment point of the earlobe which creates a slight hang of the lobe. On your left earlobe, the lowest point is the attachment of the earlobe rather than the earlobe itself hanging lower than the attachment point. For some people their earlobes are attached and naturally do not have a hanging earlobe, yet I wouldn’t call those pixie ears. Those would be attached earlobes versus hanging earlobes. Interestingly, some people don’t like their hanging earlobes, because they think it makes their ears look large, and during a facelift may ask to have their earlobes reduced or make them look more attached. Since your right earlobe turned out well, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, and potentially could be repaired. Speak to your surgeon about getting it fixed. Wishing you the best. Dr. Yang