Can The Ears Be Lifted?

Q: Dr. Eppley, is it possible to lift the ears in a higher position, perhaps for about 10 mm. If it is possible, how is this procedure performed and is there any risk that the shape of the ear changes?

A: Lifting of the ear superiorly is ultimately limited by its cartilaginous attachment to the ear canal. Essentially you have to rotate the superior ear cartilage in an upward direction with either fascial suture plication to the temporalis fascia or using a micro-bone anchor to the posterior temporal bone. This will cause the ear position to elevate, it is just a matter of how much. It is possible that it may move as much as an entire centimeter although it may be less. This type of otoplasty does not generally change the shape of the ear although it could slightly decrease the aurico-cephalic angle somewhat.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana