Is it possible after having an otoplasty and an earlobe reduction over 15 years ago, to have earlobes made yet smaller?

Question

I have already had otoplasty and a minor lobe reduction, however my right lobe is still longer and pointier and I wondered whether it is possible after the first (keyhole lobe reduction, I think he called it), to actually still reduce the lobe size as the lobe was not much reduced in this first procedure. Any thoughts welcome. Thank you

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It is possible to further reduce the size of the lobe an I would counsel you to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi, yes it is possible to further reduce the size of your earlobes given your surgical history.  Seek an expert opinion from an experienced surgeon for best results.

Amiya Prasad, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. You submitted two photos asking about the possibility of earlobe reduction in light of having undergone otoplasty 15 years ago with an earlobe reduction at that time. You feel that one ear is still a little pointier and different sized as the other ear. You want to know if it’s possible to have an earlobe reduction to accomplish this.
I can give you my guidance on how I approach patients like yourself in my practice. A little background: I’m a Board-certified cosmetic surgeon and Fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. I have been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years. Otoplasty as well as earlobe procedures are pretty common in our practice. This type of question comes up in a variety of ways, whether it’s isolated, or with something like  face lifting procedure. 
Just to go over the original principles of otoplasty, notably with the earlobe, basically we look at the ear in thirds. We look at the relationship of the upper, middle and lower third, and at the relative prominence of the earlobe. What I would ask you, in the absence of a physical exam, is do you feel the pointiness of the earlobe makes it look that much longer? Often, as everyone gets older, their earlobes start to thin out a little. When they thin out, they become a little floppier and thinner, and maybe slightly longer in appearance. Interestingly, volume correction in the earlobe such as fillers can improve the volume of the earlobe.
Can additional earlobe surgery be performed in light of previous earlobe surgery? The answer is yes. You can undergo some type of earlobe reduction, and there are a variety of ways and different approaches. The goal is to create a contour that looks natural, and also is consistent with the symmetry with the other ear. I also suggest to look at the relative potential benefit of this procedure. 
One of the things I help my patients understand every day in our practice is the face is naturally asymmetric. When you think of allocation of time and resources, and you look at a situation like your earlobes, you may want to ask yourself is this an issue when it comes to wearing jewelry,  the appearance when you look into the mirror, or is this an area you are focused on because it is a particular concern to you. Often, I help my patients try to reframe how they look at themselves when they’re concerned about a single area. It’s a psychological reality that we look at ourselves very critically where certain areas that really concern us get amplified or magnified, which is part of a normal consultation discussion. 
The procedure itself is typically performed under local anesthesia. After the patient agrees to the ultimate goal, and the design is drawn, it doesn’t take long to perform, depending on the degree and extent of the procedure. 
Meet with qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeons to see what your options are. Look at the ideas again of not just reduction, but also volume correction, and sometimes, you can do both. If the earlobe is thin and long, and then you reduce it to create a nice shape, you may find a little volume also makes the earlobe really nice. I hope that was helpful, I wish you the best of luck, and thank you for your question.This personalized video answer to your question is posted on RealSelf and on YouTube. To provide you with a personal and expert response, we use the image(s) you submitted on RealSelf in the video, but with respect to your privacy, we only show the body feature in question so you are not personally identifiable. If you prefer not to have your video question visible on YouTube, please contact us.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon as pricing varies from surgeon to surgeon. Price can range from $650-$1000. You will be able to re-pierce your ears 2 months after you have the earlobe repair done. Good luck, Dean Vistnes. 
Vistnes Plastic Surgery San Francisco Bay Area
#realself #drdeanvistnes #earloberepair

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there,
Thank you for the inquiry and images. Yes, your ears can be reshaped to achieve the cosmetically enhanced look you are looking achieve in your ears. 
If you are considering ear lobe repair options, then a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon with a sub-specialty in Otolaryngology would be your best option.
Watch the attached video for more information.

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

A second earlobe reduction is usually possible, although it depends upon the technique used on the first procedure.  I cannot see your scars clearly enough in the photos to know for sure.  I recommend you schedule an in-person consultation with a local plastic surgeon to have them look at your ear.

Is it possible after having an otoplasty and an earlobe reduction over 15 years ago, to have earlobes made yet smaller?

Answers (6)

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