Can I Have My Ears Pinned Back At The Same Time As A Facelift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like to know if it is possible to have two procedures done at the same time. I want my ears tucked and a mini face lift or a limited lift done. Thank you.

A: Both an ear pinning (otoplasty) and a facelift can be done at the same time under certain cirucmstances. The key to whether these can be performed together is what type of otoplasty and what type of facelift is being planned. In a traditional full facelift there is an incision along the back crease of the ear. This would be lower than the incision traditionally used for an otoplasty which is higher up on the back of the ear. Many plastic surgeons may justifiably feel uncomfortable having two paralleling incisions along the back of the ear due to intervening skin survival concerns. So an otoplasty may not be recommended at the same as a full facelift. In a limited or mini-facelift, the incision on the back of the ear is more limited or not used at all. So an otoplasty can always be performed at the same time as a mini-facelift.

When an otoplasty is done with a facelift there will be some greater and more persistent swelling of the ear but this is an eventual self-solving issue.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana