Pointy helix after otoplasty, can I reverse it? (Photo)

Question

I had otoplasty done 2 years ago and I’m not satisfied with the result. My ears are asymetrical (though the form of them are not the same). The surgeon did a antihelical fold on one of my ears but not the other so it looks weird to me because the fold is very pointy. Can I reverse this fold and make it more soft like before again if the surgeon did not remove any cartilage and used dissolvable sutures. Is this new fold made out of cartilage or scars? I can’t contact my surgeon (state hospital)

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Since your surgery was two years ago, and the shape and form of your cartilage has been stable over that period of time, it is unlikely that your cartilage shape will change going forward. It is difficult to know exactly why the shape is what it is, especially without knowing exactly what was done at your first operation. If some rasping of the anterior portion of the cartilage was done, and it got thinner, it may have healed into this slightly more pointed appearance. Best wishes.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

That said, when your ear is not being pulled, you have a nice ear appearance as viewed on an oblique photo. The feasibility of reversing this depends upon both your examination, and how long you are after the surgery. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Pointy helix after otoplasty, can I reverse it? (Photo)

Answers (2)