Can pixie ears after deep plane facelift be easily repaired?

Question

I recently had a deep plane facelift some years after my first successful facelift. I now have a pixie ear on one side with widened, red scarring. I am told this is due to tension as it was a revision, but I'm confused as I thought you didn't get any tension with a deep plane facelift? Can this be easily repaired?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is typical deformity when too much tension is placed on facial skin flap. You should allow at least 1 year for result to settle and scar to mature before undergoing correction. This should be discussed with your surgeon ahead of time; second opinion consult may be considered as well. Good luck.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The pixie ear deformity can result from any facelift, even if performed correctly. Closing without tension on the lower earlobe decreases the risk for a pixie ear deformity but does not bring the risk down to zero. There are many options for a local tissue rearrangement that would help the appearance, but making the deformity is notoriously persistent even with treatment. Seeing a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon will increase your chances of having a good result.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Pixie ears are not that hard to prevent or fix. But the surgeon has to know how. It’s not complicated but obviously  there are a lot of surgeons who haven’t figured it out. They like to concentrate on things like the deep plane but stumble over minor details like the earlobes. It can be fixed but you need to find the right surgeon. It’s not so much a matter of too much tension. It’s important to detach the earlobe and shape it properly. That’s how a pixie ear is prevented

Can pixie ears after deep plane facelift be easily repaired?

Answers (4)

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