I had my ears pinned back when I was 9 I am now 23. Is it normal for one of the ears to be still sore and scabby? (photo)

It is not common to have scabby ears for this long. It is important to see a doctor to make sure there is no skin cancer underneath the scabs or a loose old permanent suture. RegardsDr J

Hello, Thank you for your question. It is not normal for your ear to be still sore and scabby after so many years. I would recommend you to meet an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon for a revision case. In a Flep technique, which was developed by me for correcting prominent ears, the sutures are used to fold the ear cartilage back, we don't have such kind of complications. To find out more please click on the attached link. Best Regards   

Two things to help you: 1) it is atypical to experience soreness and scabbing years later.  2) there is likely a cause that can be easily treated (such as a retained suture).  So, take heart, and schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon who routinely performs ear pinning. 

It is not usual to have crusting this far out from otoplasty. If you cleaned the crusting away, you will likely have an exposed permanent suture in that area. Usually just trimming the suture will then resolve the chronic crusting. Either return to your original surgeon, or seek consultation with a board certified surgeon with experience in otoplasty. Good luck!