Ask a doctor

I Had an Otoplasty in Nov 2011, Completely Failed, Reversed to Original Appearance Within 3 Months?

the surgeon had put in dissolving stitches the first time. He re-did the procedure about 8 months later and used permanent stitches. He did not remove any cartilage either time. The ears are slipping back towards original appearance, at the tops, in the last couple months. The left ear is back out where it was at the top before surgery. Right ear has slipped out about 1/16 inch. left ear cartilage is much stiffer than right ear. What should i do? this was and is important to me

Doctor Answers 4

Cartilage Modification in Revisional Otoplasty

June 5th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Otoplasty relapse is either due to suture loosening or too much cartilage stiffness. Given that the suture issue has been addressed, further and more stable improvement is going to come from weakening the natural stiffness of the cartilage to eliminate its recoil potential.

Web reference: http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD


Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 66 reviews

Otoplasty revision for upper pole coming out and relapsing

July 16th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Based on the pictures, I think your surgeon did a good job. The ear is set back or at a position that is close to ideal. If you get them pinned back more they will be too pinned back in my opinion. But you are the person that should be happy. You can get them pinned back more but you should understand that this may not be what people will view and perceive as normal.
 

Philip Young, MD

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
3.9 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

Failed otoplasty, reversed to original appearance within three months

June 4th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

As we age our ear cartilage becomes less pliable and more stiff.  Otoplasty in adult patients often protrude with time if sutures alone are used to hold the ears in a less prominent position.  This may  work for children, but in adult ears, some cartilage weakening is necessary to prevent the issue you have experienced.

John F. Reinisch, MD

John F. Reinisch, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Questions about an otoplasty

June 3rd, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Almost impossible to answer this question without a pre-operative photograph.  There does appear to be  flare of the upper portion of your ear.  I would need to examine your pre-op photos to give your any suggestions.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.