What are my options to make my ears appear more prominent from the front? (photos)

Question

Hello, I've had this issue for my whole life and it's something I've tried for decades to accept, but just can't seem to despite being 30 years old now. My ears are barely seen from the front, and it also makes my head look really narrow. Is there anything that can be done to build them out and also make my head wider in that area? It's had such an impact on me that I'm willing to accept any sort of risk and scarring. Thanks in advance.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it is possible to increase the projection of your ears so that they are a bit more visible from the front. A board certified plastic surgeon with experience in cosmetic ear surgery can help you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. 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 multi-layered 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.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these, less-than-perfect photos, I would conclude that you have normally set and developed ears. However, if you need them to be more prominent, a technique that is performed as a reversal of otoplasty, with a scar placed behind your ear, may be considered. Good luck.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hello. I'm not sure about making the head look wider in that area (possibly fat grafting or filler) but to help the ears project more, you could try to get the "opposite" effect of an otoplasty by, perhaps, building up the conchomastoid sulcus so that something is pushing your ear forward. That could possibly be achieved with fat or filler as well.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi Christian!
This is Arzu Dr. Caner Kaçmaz's asistant. Nice to meet you.
The answer for question is otoplasty.
 İt takes an average of 1 hour. By making an incision behind the ear, the auricle is reshaped and the angle of the auricle with the skull is adjusted. When the operation is performed under local anesthesia, no hospitalization is required. If it is performed under general anesthesia, you stay in the hospital for 1 night. Daily activities can be performed within 2-3 days.  It is recommended to use tennis bandage for 3 weeks after the operation. The incisions are made behind the ear. There are scars in the incision area, but as these traces are behind the ear, they are not visible when viewed from the opposite side.

What are my options to make my ears appear more prominent from the front? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Head shape

Answer: Head shape

Answer: About Otoplasty

Answer: About Otoplasty

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.

What are my options to make my ears appear more prominent from the front? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Head shape

Answer: Head shape

Answer: About Otoplasty

Answer: About Otoplasty

Browse related questions

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.