POV: You’re excited to undergo ear surgery to correct the positioning of your ears, which tend to stick out and make you feel self-conscious. Unfortunately, you end up with a botched otoplasty. Was it the surgeon’s fault? Did you not do enough research to find a quality provider? Did the complications happen during recovery? Was it a random occurrence and no one’s fault?
At this point, the only thing you can do is take the next steps to correct the issue and achieve the look you were initially going for when you signed up for surgery. The good news is, you do have options. Yes, even when a patient unfortunately ends up with botched otoplasty results, you have options.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the ears. It is commonly performed to reduce the prominence of ears that stick out or to correct ear deformities. Most patients seek this surgery to achieve more balanced facial features.
How Could an Otoplasty Go Wrong?
In most cases, otoplasty results meet expectations, but complications can occur. Issues may range from cosmetic concerns to medical complications requiring further correction.
You can look up botched before and after otoplasty surgeries to get an idea of what can go wrong in pictures. We’ve also listed the most common (but still rare) possible poor outcomes below.
Excessive Bleeding
Bleeding can occur after any surgical procedure, including otoplasty surgery. While mild bleeding is normal, excessive bleeding may indicate a problem. If blood collects under the skin, it can increase swelling and discomfort, delaying the recovery process. Patients should monitor for signs of persistent bleeding and seek medical attention if necessary.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, infection is a risk. If bacteria enter the surgical site, it can lead to swelling, redness, and pain. In some cases, an untreated infection can affect the cartilage, causing more severe complications. Proper wound care and following post-surgery instructions help reduce this risk.
Uneven or Poor-Looking Results
Otoplasty results should look symmetrical, but sometimes one ear heals differently than the other. Uneven ear positioning can affect the overall appearance and may require revision otoplasty to correct. The extent of the asymmetry varies, and some minor differences may not be noticeable.
Alternatively, in rarer cases, the ears can look “too perfect” after this surgery. For example, some botched celebrity otoplasty surgeries make the patients look like their ears were actually “pinned” to the sides of their heads. This is also not a good outcome.
Changes in Sensation
Temporary numbness or tingling in the ears is common after otoplasty surgery. In some cases, patients experience permanent changes in sensation. Nerve damage can affect how the ears feel and may take weeks or months to improve.
Undesired Outcome
Some patients are unhappy with the entire process, including their otoplasty results. The ears may still appear prominent or may have been overcorrected with this type of botched surgery. When patients wait for full healing, they can better determine if the final appearance meets their expectations. If not, revision otoplasty may be an option.
Obvious Scarring
Scarring is an unavoidable part of surgery, but in most cases, it is well-hidden behind the ears. However, some patients develop thick, raised scars that affect their ear appearance. Genetics, improper healing, or infection can all contribute to visible scarring.
What Can Be Done After a Botched Otoplasty?
Patients who are unhappy with their otoplasty results should first allow time for the full recovery process. Swelling and bruising can affect the final appearance for several weeks.
If concerns persist after healing, a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon can help determine treatment options. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may improve minor imperfections.
For more significant concerns, revision otoplasty may be necessary. If a patient is not confident in their original surgeon, seeking a second opinion from an experienced plastic surgeon can help achieve the best results.
FAQs: Otoplasty
How long does it take to recover from otoplasty?
Most patients need two weeks before resuming normal activities. Swelling and discomfort gradually improve within the first few days. The full recovery process can take several months, with final results becoming more apparent over time.
Can revision otoplasty fix uneven results?
Yes, revision otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct uneven ear positioning or other concerns such a still prominent ears. The extent of the correction depends on the original surgery and the affected cartilage. A skilled plastic surgeon can assess the best approach for achieving a more balanced appearance.
What are the signs of infection after otoplasty?
Signs of infection include increased swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. Pus or fluid drainage from the incision site may also indicate an infection. If patients experience fever or worsening symptoms, they should contact their surgeon immediately.
Set Up a Personal Consultation Appointment
If you are unhappy with your otoplasty results, you don’t have to live with the outcome. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice offers personalized consultations to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
Whether you’re looking for revision otoplasty or this is your first time undergoing otoplasty, Dr. Rice can help. Call today to schedule a consultation appointment and take the next step toward achieving your desired results.
