Telephone Ear Deformity
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This Rembrandt painting has protrusion of the upper ear and lobule resulting in an ear shape like that of a telephone. |
Beauty is enhanced with balance between the various elements of the ear. When the middle part is closer to the head, the ear has a shape like a telephone. Over correction of the middle part of the ear during otoplasty can result in relative protrusion of the upper and lower portions or this telephone deformity.
The telephone deformity can also be a natural variation of the ear or the result of trauma or a complication of ear surgery. It can be from an excessive protrusion of the upper portion (helix), or the lower portion (lobule). This patient had otoplasty surgery by another surgeon and the next pictures demonstrate the telephone ear deformity.
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The upper and lower ear project in a telephone ear deformity after otoplasty by another surgeon. Notice how the upper and lower ear project from the head. |
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After otoplasty ear surgery by another surgeon, picture looks best from the side hiding the telephone ear deformity. |
In refined otoplasty ear surgery, the elements are balances as part of the sculpture as seen below in otoplasty surgery by Dr. Bermant.
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Left: Before otoplasty photograph Right: Photo 6 days after surgery More about this patient |
There are many possible options to correct a telephone ear deformity. The best sculpture will depend on the problem. It may involve an adjustment of the lower earlobe or a blending of different elements of otoplasty surgery. Photographs (warning graphic) during surgery show some of the possible techniques of earlobe setback. Such issues are best explored during your in office consultation after the problem has been evaluated. If the telephone deformity is after ear surgery, we prefer to have a copy of your previous operative report, doctor's office records, and before surgery photographs if available.
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Otoplasty Ear Surgery |
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