Will my ear shape correct naturally as I heal or are there revision options? (Photo)

Question

Otoplasty made pointy ear shape. I had otoplasty 6 weeks ago. The procedure left my ear with a shape that makes the top look pointy. At first the ears looked overcorrected but have releases. But naturally. However, the middle part of my ears are so pinned back that the top has a protruding shape. I’m really worried about this and whether they will correct naturally as they continue to heal. If not, are there revision options? Someone who didn’t know I had surgery actually asked me what happened to my ears. I was so embarrassed and that confirmed all of my worries. I’m attaching a photo to show what part of the ear shape I’m worried about. I did express concern to my surgeon but he seems to think it is not a shape problem.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear ritza,Thank you for your question. In my experience your ear will not correct significant at 6 weeks out. In otoplasty, we place stitches at the upper, middle, and lower part of the ear. What usually produces the look in the photo is the middle part of the ear is over-resected relative to the top. This is called a telephone ear deformity. There are things that can do to correct it, but you need to wait for your ear to heal fully. Also, follow-up with your surgeon and have a discussion regarding what he/she thinks is going on and what the plan will be.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Otoplasties heal in a way similar to most wounds, therefore complete healing is normally seen at 6 months.  At 6 weeks, most wounds are 75% healed.
The 25% of healing that will go on from here until 6 months can change the appearance of your ears.  Of course, it depends on the technique your plastic surgeon utilized.  Did he or she do a Stenstrom procedure, a Mustarde' procedure, a Furnas procedure, or one of the many other procedures, or a combination of procedures?  Each one of these possibilities will have an effect on how soon your otoplasty healing is complete.
To be able to evaluate whether the surgery was done correctly or not requires reading the operative report and having an in person exam with you.  My short answer to your question is, Nobody knows at this point whether your ears will change in position or shape.
I highly recommend you continue to listen to your personal plastic surgeon and give the surgical area time to heal before you make any decisions.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It's hard to assess your situation without seeing you in person.  You are in the very early stages of healing and it can take a full 6-8 months for everything to settle down, relax and see the final result.  I would suggest waiting a little longer and follow your surgeons recommendations at this time.  Best of luck to you.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

It is difficult to assess your problem from the single photograph, however, it does appear that the correction to your ear is dramatic.  There may be some continued relaxation over the next few months but usually by 6 weeks you are seeing close to final contours.  I suggest seeking an in person consultation for further evaluation of your concerns.

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear ritzta,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek serial re-evaluation with your surgeon who can perform a thorough evaluation and discuss with you the best management options to address your issues. You are still healing and it could take months before the final otoplasty result is seen, especially if there is residual swelling. Your surgeon can discuss with you treatment options including continuing a pressure dressing perhaps possible revision in the future to get you the results you are seeking.

Will my ear shape correct naturally as I heal or are there revision options? (Photo)

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Will my ear shape correct naturally as I heal or are there revision options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Otoplasty overcorrection?

Answer: Otoplasty overcorrection?

Answer: Otoplasty: Ear shape

Answer: Otoplasty: Ear shape

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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