When Ear Surgery Is Right for You

Posted December 17, 2015 in Ear Surgery, Earlobe Repair, Otoplasty

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your ears, that is a sign that you should consider ear surgery. Ear surgery can correct overly prominent ears, poorly sized ears, ear deformities, and, most commonly, earlobe issues. Earlobe repair is a popular form of ear surgery that can improve the appearance of your ears.

Before Ear Reduction Surgery

After Ear Reduction Surgery

Split Earlobes

Earlobes are not particularly strong and are vulnerable to splitting and tearing. Multiple piercings and heavy earrings, especially when worn regularly for extended lengths of time, can cause piercings to widen and the earlobes to tear. Additionally, accidents or trauma can split the earlobes. Wearing earrings while sleeping or when changing clothing may cause fabric to catch the earring and rip it out of the ear. Young children may eagerly grab dangling or colorful earrings, and any number of accidents can occur and rip your earlobes. Ear surgery can repair the damage by suturing the split to restore the earlobe.

Gauged Earlobes

Gauged earlobes are those that have been stretched to accommodate large gauge jewelry. The stretching procedure takes time and leaves the ears with sizable holes. If at any point you decide you no longer want to have gauges in your earlobes, ear surgery can reshape your gauged earlobes. Ear surgery can restore a natural appearance to earlobes that have been overly stretched by gauge jewelry.

Sagging Earlobes and Earlobe Reduction

Some earlobes are naturally large or have begun to sag due to aging or wearing heavy earrings for long periods of time. Ear surgery can remove excess earlobe tissue to reduce the size and improve the appearance of earlobes that are overly large or sagging.

Pixie Earlobes

Pixie earlobes, also called devil’s ears, occur when the earlobe has been dragged down toward the angle of the jaw. When this occurs, the earlobe looks long and pointed, creating an unnatural appearance. Most often, pixie earlobes occur as a delayed consequence of poor technique during facelift surgery. When facelift surgery relies on pulling the skin to tighten the face instead of tightening the underlying facial structures as well, the skin can stretch and pull the earlobe downward over time, causing pixie ear deformity. Ear surgery can correct pixie earlobes by releasing and elevating the scar tissue and shortening the earlobe length.

If your earlobe is injured or deformed, schedule your ear surgery consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Koch. To schedule your appointment, call us at (716) 631-1220 or fill out our online contact form at your convenience.