Surgical details - deformed earlobe setback.
Earlobes can also be deformed as part of the protruding ear problem. The actual lobe can stick out in many different ways. The reconstruction must address the individual deformity and each solution is part of the surgeons sculpture skills. When ignored, the lobes may no longer be in harmony with the rest of the ear and form the lower part of a "telephone ear deformity" - where the ear is shaped like a telephone hand piece.
We unfold bent tissue when that is the problem. At other times we bend or pull tissue back that sticks out too far. This may involve removing skin, suturing inner earlobe tissues to cartilage or back to the scalp.
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Left Photograph before otoplasty where lobes were a factor. Right Photo after setback ear surgery which included earlobe skin excision and sutures. |
Learn more about this case. Many otoplasty operations use lobe set back as part of the reconstruction. Explore the series of links below for more examples.
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Lobule setback may need skin excision. There are many possible patterns for this excision depending on the specific problem. This movement of the skin may sculpt the tissues alone or need additional deep sutures as part of the solution. |
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One of many possible methods of suture setback of the lobe. The earlobe can be pulled back unfolding a bent cartilage with buried sutures under the skin. The inside tissue of the earlobe is sutured to the cartilage above. The sutures are located under the skin and are hidden but sometimes can be felt when pressing behind the ear. |
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Another method of suture set back of the earlobe. The lobule deep tissue is pulled back with suture(s) to the deep tissues behind the ear (mastoid fascia). |
Surgical photographs of Ear Lobe Repositioning (warning graphic images).
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Otoplasty Ear Surgery |
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