Is there a treatment for scarring after otoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I had an otoplasty when I was around 7 years old, I'm now 19. The way it healed around the top back of my ears left very sensitive skin "bridges" of what I assume is scar tissue. This makes it very painful to wear sunglasses and masks, but I'm most concerned about glasses since my vision is worsening and I'll probably end up needing some soon. I tried my best to take a photo but you can only see the more prominent "bridges." Also ignore the crust behind my ears, the pain makes it hard to clean.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, if there are multiple treatments to improve skin quality and scarring, depending on the evolution time of your scar and the type of scar we can implement laser, fractional radiofrequency, prp, infiltration with drugs among other procedures that combined we obtain a excellent result, to find the result you must be patient and perform more than one session to achieve it, the number of sessions will determine the result obtained. Greetings from Colombia

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

It can be made better. Scars behind the ear can be quite uncomfortable and painful at times. The entire scar will have to removed otherwise it can reform. Happy to discuss this further if u like. There are pics of some ear surgeries on my Instagram (@drmisbahkhan6) that u can explore.

Melinda A. Costa, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Jaym_923, 
I'm sorry that you are having this problem. If the scar or scars are thick, steroid injection can be used to help soften the scars. This is done as in office procedure under local anesthesia. If the scars are not thick, then a scar revision can help. This may likely be able to be done as an in office procedure under local anesthesia as well. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Melinda Costa, MDAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery, CertifiedAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons, Member

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

It's difficult to answer your question without the benefit of a physical exam; however, in general, firm or raised scar tissue can be well-treated with injections of scar-softening medications such as Kenalog and 5-Fluorouracil.  These may be effective as the only treatment, or may be helpful to soften the scar enough to decrease pain.  Surgical scar revision may be an option as well, to remove excess scar tissue, or to create a bit more "room" behind the ear.  Seek out a Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon experienced in otoplasty/ ear-shaping surgery to undergo an exam and discussion of treatment options.  Best of luck!

Is there a treatment for scarring after otoplasty? (Photo)

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Answer: Scarring after ear surgery

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Is there a treatment for scarring after otoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scarring after ear surgery

Answer: Scarring after ear surgery

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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.