Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done? (Photo)

Question

I had otoplasty two years ago. Revision to the right ear last summer. I’m perfectly happy with my left ear. My right however I am not, it seems the upper antihelix curve is less prominent and has a telephone effect. I may be hyper focusing on it. Is there anything that could be done or reasonable chance to get it to look more similar to the left ear.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

Your assessment if quite accurate. You have a mild case of a telephone ear deformity. You've even pinpointed a way to address it - deepen the right antihelical fold. This would take some of the upper 1/3 prominence away but may not fully address the lower 1/3. You may need the cauda helicis sutured towards the mastoid to relieve this aspect of your ear.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Whitney Pafford, MD · Answer

You are correct, your right ear has a telephone deformity which can be fixed. It happens in two scenarios: 1) the middle portion of the ear is overcorrected and pinned back too tight when compared to the upper and lower third of the ear2) the upper and lower third of the ear are under corrected and not set pinned back enough when it's compared to the middle third of the ear. From your pictures it looks like it's the second scenario, but it's always best to be seen in person. This way a proper examination, diagnosis, and surgical plan can be made in order to achieve your surgical goals.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the nicely posted photos revision of antihelix and lobule areas indicated. Best to virtual consult with... Fee $6,000+ ranges.

Jeffrey E. DeWeese, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

you have a common post-otoplasty deformity where the middle portion of each ear is adequately set back but the upper part (schafa) and the lower part (lobule) are not. You need a revision paying attention to these two areas. The same incision in the back can be used.

Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done?

Answer: Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done?

Answer: Telephone ear deformity.

Answer: Telephone ear deformity.

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done?

Answer: Ear Revision Correction - is there anything that could be done?

Answer: Telephone ear deformity.

Answer: Telephone ear deformity.

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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.