My Baby Was Born with an Extra Piece of Skin on the Helix?

Question

It's not a skin tag but the doctor said its nothing she just will never be an ear model!! It bugs me and is this little piece of skin where it makes her ear or the helix look a little funny! Can I have the extra skin cut off by a doctor?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. 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 multi-layered 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.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This small skin tag can be easily removed with local anesthesia but I would wait until the child is old enough to put up with that type of procedure.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This might resolve with time. It could be a variant of a "Darwinian tubercle" which is very common. If it is noticeable and causes your child distress it can be removed by a plastic surgeon at 5-6 years old or later. The incision can be hidden in the fold of the ear where it is not noticeable. Congratulations! I hope this information is helpful.

	Stephen Weber MD, FACS

	Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

While it is possible that surgery could be done on your baby's ear, I would not recommend that you have the procedure done at this time.  As your baby grows, it's very possible that the issue will take care of itself.  I would wait at least until age 5 before even considering any cosmetic surgery on your baby's ear.

Stephen Salerno, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

This is called Darwin's Tubercle and is nothing to be concerned about.  Just wait till your daughter is a little older and then have it excised if it bothers her.  

	Regards

	Stephen Salerno

My Baby Was Born with an Extra Piece of Skin on the Helix?

Answers (8)

Answer: Extra piece of skin on helix of baby

Answer: Extra piece of skin on helix of baby

Answer: Darwin's Tubercle

Answer: Darwin's Tubercle

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

My Baby Was Born with an Extra Piece of Skin on the Helix?

Answers (8)

Answer: Extra piece of skin on helix of baby

Answer: Extra piece of skin on helix of baby

Answer: Darwin's Tubercle

Answer: Darwin's Tubercle

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.