Is this a pixie ear, can it be corrected? (Photos)

Question

My surgery included ear lobule reduction but both ears are now super tight and look pulled. (I'm one year post-op) Do I now have pixie ears and can this be corrected? My surgeon says not.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, the short answer is yes and yes. You naturally had detached earlobes (the inferior most aspect is hanging freely in your preop photo). You now have attached earlobes with the inferior most aspect now joining the skin of your lateral cheek. For some, this occurs naturally and present at birth (a variation of normal), but in your case it is more obvious and 'pulled' appearing on the right side (a 'pixie' deformity). This can be corrected, often with a relatively simple procedure under local anesthesia.
Best,Dr. Tower

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your left ear looks okay but your right ear has a pixie earlobe. Pretty easy to fix if the surgeon knows how. Unfortunately many surgeons don’t know how to prevent or correct the pixie ear. I would get other opinions on what to do and insist on seeing photos.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is not a complete pixie ear but a little bit. It can be Corrected.  However, many normal people have similar ear configuration and it does not look bad.  I would give it more time.  If despite waiting over a period of time is still bothers you then get it corrected.
Regards
Dr. J

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It does appear that your earlobes have the shape of a pixie ear deformity - and more so on the right. You naturally have detached earlobes. The reduction has resulted in an attached look of a straight line and loss of a natural bowing or convex curve of the lobe. This can be improved with revision surgery in order to release the lobe and to allow it curve slightly. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee MD
Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee MD
Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sophiesmart,
Pixie ear deformities are a known risk of facelift surgery and you certainly have one, especially on the right.  Correction is not always that simple, but your surgeon should consider it.  Good luck!

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