Can A Correction Of An Prior Otoplasty Be Done As An Adult Without Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I underwent otoplasty nearly 30 years ago and and the results were very average. In my opinion, the tips of my ears were pulled back too far and now appear very flat if not contorted. I have tolerated it for this long, but now my hair is starting to thin I’m becoming more conscious of it. 

Aside from traditional cut and stitch, are there any other methods available now that could achieve a more ‘natural’ look? I’m a bit wary about going under the knife again.

A: Any attempt at trying to shape your ears as an adult requires surgery. There are no non-surgical efforts to do so. That is only done right after birth when the east cartilages are moldable by external means. But that ear reshaping capability is lost months after birth. I would need to see pictures of our ears to provide any surgical insight.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana