Do I have Stahl's ear? Is the surgery to correct it very risky or invasive? (Photos)

You are absolutely right! This is a near perfect example of the Stahl's ear which is classified as a flat upper pole helix with an associated "third crus" of cartilage extending out towards the helix. When identified at birth the treatment is molding for several weeks but obviously management would be quite different for you at this point. Surgery would consist of an Otoplasty, but would need to be customized to address the specific cosmetic factors that bother you. It is not necessarily any more invasive than the standard Otoplasty but make sure to ask very specific questions about what you can expect. Once healed, piercing would carry no greater risk than piercing other ear cartilages. Best of luck!

Cosmetic otoplasty surgery is generally performed to reposition somebody's ear closer to the head. We generally address a poorly formed anti-helical fold and deep conchal bowls. An examination of the cartilage of your ear would be necessary to see whether or not suture otoplasty would be beneficial for you. Thank you so much for your question! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Yes you do have Stahl's earYes you do have Stahl`s ear. There are 2 ways in which the Stahl’s ear can be corrected. Either surgically and invasive by excision, which leaves a visible scar in the ear, or minimally invasively, without producing scars, with the Merck stitch method. With the stitch method there is a chance, but there is no guarantee of correcting/removing the Stahl’s fold.  

and if you want it corrected to a more rounded rim, it can be done.  Piercings can always be done as well but piercing cartilage is much more risky than simply piercing your lobes.  If you don't have to wear your hair up, it would be suggested that you not worry about as much as it makes you more unique and special.

Thanks for your question. It is not a classical stahls ear but it is anvariant of it. Stahls is classically defined by an atypical upper crus or upper half of the Y shape on the upper ear. yours rather than being a 'y' is more of a reverse 'V'This obviously gives you a more prominent upper pole and a slightly pixie shape. Some cartilage reshaping can change the shape of the ear to more usual 'Y' pattern but the more reshaping is done, the more invasive the surgery can be. Post surgery piercing will depending on what reshaping is done. A local plastic surgeon to you will happily give you a description of what is possible. Hope that helps. Adam Goodwin