I had otoplasty as a child, is it possible to reverse it as an adult? (photos)

Question

Hello, I had otoplasty when I was a very young child, it is now 30 years later and I'm self conscious about how close my ears are too my head. You can barely see my ears when facing straight. Is it possible to reverse the otoplasty?

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

Revision otoplasty can be quiet tricky. A lot of it depends on the technique used in the original surgery. The advantage of suture techniques would be that a reversion will be more practical with the release of previous sutures and scars. However if there has been significant removal of structural cartilage of the ear during the initial surgery then the revision can be challenging.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sunshine2018x,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination, but it might be possible to do a revision surgery to achieve your goals. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kyle T. Yamamoto, MD · Answer

Depending on the techniques used in your original otoplasty, a surgery could be performed to help "reverse" your result.  If some permanent sutures were placed initially, these can be removed. Scarring of soft tissue that is holding your ear too close to your head can also be released.  These maneuvers may improve your result and at least partially reverse what was originally done.If the curvature of your cartilage is more permanently fixed, this may require some reshaping.  In addition, if the skin behind your ear was also shortened, this may require a lengthening procedure (typically with a skin graft) to allow your ears to protrude slightly more.A consultation and full examination by a facial plastic surgeon is key in determining what can be done to at least partially reverse your original otoplasty.

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

This is an interesting query - it is possible to improve a very retracted ear but it depends on what technique was used to correct the prominence. If only sutures were used then cutting these out and releasing some scar tissue should do the job. If a lot of skin was cut away behind the ear initially then that will require a skin graft as well.If you have any concerns, return to your PS for advice and reassurance.

I had otoplasty as a child, is it possible to reverse it as an adult? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty

Answer: Otoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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I had otoplasty as a child, is it possible to reverse it as an adult? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty

Answer: Otoplasty

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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.