Do you recommend Earfold for adult otoplasty?

Question

Hi - Im a 33 year old male with slight elf ears. Nothing crazy but one side sticks out a little more than the right and it does both me. I was wondering your opinion on earfold vs traditional otoplasty. Earfold looks like a nice compromise of ease, low risk, and pretty good results, but I can't find much news or reviews online and it doesn't seem to be spreading all that quickly (their website currently only lists the UK). Thanks!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. All of the types of ear surgery you describe are possible but it depends on your specific anatomy.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with.  With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

My opinion on the earfold method is: There has not been enough long-term experience of the EarFold implants up till now.There is another minimally invasive ear pinning method, the so-called stitch method, that is even less invasive than the Earfold surgery. Compared to the Earfold surgery, the stitch method has the following advantages:1.Incisions on the front of the ear are not necessary by the stitch method; there are only stitch points, in contrast to incisions, that always heal without scars.2.There is the question whether the metal implant of the EarFold method is bent when lying on the ear, thus causing the ear to return to its original position. With the stitch method, the position of the ears is not changed if one lies or sleeps on them.3.With the Earfold surgery, a large cavum conchae must be reduced by the excision of cartilage, i.e. it must be combined with a traditional method. This is not necessary with the stitch method.4.With the EarFold Surgery and in patients with thin skin, the metal colour can be visible through the skin even if the implant itself is not prominent.5.If the metal implant has to be removed due to intolerance, you must count on the ear returning to its original protruding position.6.The occasionally observed sensitivity problems with the EarFold method do not occur with the stitch method.7.With the stitch method, there are meanwhile long-term results over a time period of 18 years based on more than 10 000 operated ears. With the Earfold surgery, there is only a limited experience of less than 100 ears over 2 to 3 years.  SHOW LESS

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

I am not exactly sure what you mean by "ear fold procedure". Are you implying laser assisted cartilage reshaping?in any case, a traditional otoplasty is a very elegant and quick procedure which, I believe, should address all your issues. It can be done in the office under local anesthesia, the incision is hidden in the back of the ear. Part of many otoplasty surgeries is a recreation of underdeveloped antihelical fold- could this be what you mean by ear fold surgery?in any case, you should get a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to review your treatment options.

Do you recommend Earfold for adult otoplasty?

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Do you recommend Earfold for adult otoplasty?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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