Dr. Buckingham’s Q&A

Question:
Only one of my ears is protruding.  If I were to have otoplasty, would the surgery be performed on one or both ears to make them appear uniform?

Answer:
It depends on what the "normal" ear looks like.  If it is truly within normal measurements then surgery can be done on only the protruding ear.  If the other ear is protruding also then often times it is better to treat both ears.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham

Question:
I’ve had problems with ear infections my whole life. I’d like to get an ear pinning surgery but was wondering if it would affect my ear troubles.

Answer:
Ear pinning surgery, Otoplasty, will not affect in a favorable or detrimental way an ear that is susceptible to infection.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham

Question:
I have earlobes that have been torn. I would like them repaired. Is this type of surgery done in the office under local anesthesia? What is the exact procedure?

Answer:
Repair of torn earlobes is easily performed in the office under local anesthesia.  We perform the procedure by first marking out, injecting and disinfecting the earlobe.  We then remove the split.  If you then just suture the two halves together it will create a weak earlobe that will likely re-tear.  Therefore we mark out and incise two small triangles on the back of the ear and switch them, called a z-plasty.  This then places un-cut skin horizontally across the tear adding strength to the earlobe so that re-injury is less likely.  Read more about ear surgery :http://www.buckinghamfacialplastics.com/faqs-otoplasty.html.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham

Question:
I’ve heard of both incisionless and traditional techniques for otoplasty. Are the results not as good with the incisionless approach?

Answer:
The incisionless approach for otoplasty certainly adds a degree of uncertainty for the result.  As with most procedures, certain individuals are masters of a particular technique and get excellent results, however since the incision for otoplasty is placed entirely behind the ear and usually heals in an imperceptible manner, we do not feel that the incisionless technique adds any advantage.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham