Can an otoplasty come undone?

Question

I had an otoplasty in 2001. I was extremely happy with the results. However after 5 or so years I began to feel like my ears were protruding more and more. It got to the point where I feel like they protrude just as much as they did before the surgery. Can this happen or is it all in my head?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very hard to say without pictures, especially your pre-op pictures and pictures of now. Generally speaking, depending on what techniques were used during surgery and what type of sutures were placed, it would be possible for the results to reverse or change over time. It might also depend on your age at the time of surgery and your growth. Bottom line, without pre and post-op pictures, no one can tell you that "it is all in your head" and if you think the problem has returned and it bothers you, then I would seek a consultation to have it addressed.Hope this helps!

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Mell,Thank you for your question. The circumstances that you mention is
relatively uncommon as failure of an otoplasty is often observed in the first
few months.Over time the ears scar into
place with considerable resilience to change over time.However, this is if your otoplasty was
performed using well studied and reproducible techniques.If there are has been compromise or cutting
of the cartilage then a sundry of different factors come into play and you can
see a graduated failure over time.Ultimately the best means of appreciating the changes the comparison of
all the photos from before your surgery to current photos after.Hopefully this helps you as you find the
right answer for you.Be healthy and
be well, James M.
Ridgway, MD, FACS

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It is fairly common for otoplasty results to revert a little bit in the initial healing stages after surgery (within the first year or so). As a result a little bit of planned over-correction is common at first to account for this.It isn't typical for the results to gradually reverse over the course of several years, though that doesn't mean it isn't typical. In theory trauma to the ear (pulling it forward) could also cause the ear to become more prominent as well. In your case it's hard to know how much reversion has occurred (if at all) without seeing your original ear position and comparing it with your current. If you have photos of your original ears that would obviously help.In the end, the important thing to consider is whether you're unhappy with your current ear prominence. If they're significantly prominent where otoplasty can improve this then you may be a candidate for a revision otoplasty to re-secure the ears in a less prominent position.You can read more about otoplasty at my web reference link below.

Navin K. Singh, MD · Answer

With otoplasty there is sometimes recoil after surgey.  Cartilage has memory and is inclined to return to its origin.  The best way to tell if your in need of any touch up surgeries or revisions is to closely view your before and after pictures. Additionally keep in mind as we age our ears do tend to grow a may get slightly larger.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be under corrected and they can relapse but when they do, its usually very early in the recovery.  With healing, scars form and usually hold things in place well.  To see if you've had a relapse, you really need to look at your pre-op photos to refresh your memory where you started from.

Can an otoplasty come undone?

Answers (5)

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