Vertical Ear Repositioning

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in vertical higher ear repositioning. You have replied to a relevant question at Real Self. Therefore, I would like to enquire whether you perform such a procedure, and how much the ears can be vertically lengthened.Looking forward to your reply.

A: I am not sure where you got this information that the ears can be vertically raised higher to any significant degree. While minor amounts of change can be done, the ear is attached to the side of the head by the cartilaginous external auditory canal which prevents it from being lifted upward more than a minor amount. While it is easy to grab one’s ear and pull it upward, this should be confused with true vertical repositioning of the ear. This is nothing more than putting stretch on the more flexible external ear cartilage. Thus vertical lengthening or more accurately, vertical ear repositioning, is not a highly effective procedure.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana