LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hello Dr. Lam,

I got an otoplasty done a week ago by a local plastic surgeon (I'm not a Dallas resident). So far, I'm unhappy with the results because to me my ears look unnatural and very pinned back. The right side is set back more than the left and the top part of my ear literally touches my head. The top seems to fold over from a back angled view. The right side seems tacked back mostly in the middle, but it doesn't look as "pinched" together as the left. From a frontal view my ears look fairly balanced, but they look folded back against my head.

I believe he did work on the antihelix and decreased the concha. Some of the swelling and brusing has gone down and he and his assistant assured me that my ears will "loosen up" and not be so close to my head.

I'm writing to ask for a second opinion about how the ear generally reshapes during the healing process. I know it's too soon to decide, but what are some guidelines in considering revision surgery? I'm hoping for a natural appearance and right now my ears just look so operated on.

I'm taking plenty of time to relax and heal. I'm thankful I found your site; I've been looking at plenty of videos, pictures, and tutorials. The philosophy and healthy living content is such an added blessing! Thank you.

hi,
thanks for the question. i honestly should not and cannot comment on another person's immediate results. however, if you ask me whether i in general overcorrect, then the answer is no. in my hands (not your doctor's please keep in mind), i do see some relaxation but ears in my hands do not always relax much. they tend to stay about where i put them. that does not mean your doctor did something wrong. as far as revision goes, if they are overpinned back, that is not the easiest thing to fix for me. that is why i don't overcorrect. i would rather retighten an ear back than somehow release an overtightened one. but again, i am talking about my experience not someone else's. i think in this situation, you really should speak with your doctor or get a second opinion from someone local. hope things improve for you.
best,
sml

Thank you for your response, Dr. Lam.

I am trying not to regret my choice in surgeons, but I wish I had gone to you for my surgery. Your site is loaded with valuable information and the communication features are so helpful.

I am experiencing a lot of burning and tingling in my ears, face, and scalp after my surgery with this other doctor. My ears still feel sore, tight and numb after two weeks. He seems very unavailable and indifferent to my concerns. My ears are obviously operated on and I have crusty and wrinkly looking skin in the back of them. I am so disappointed and I don't know what kind of patient rights I have. I had several consultations with this doctor and others, I looked at pictures of his work, and I did some side reading about the procedure; I thought I was well prepared.

I paid almost $4000 just to remain self-conscious and feel more uncomfortable. I feel awful. I don't know if I want to risk a revision surgery. I can't imagine paying even more money on my appearance. I wish I had someone to talk to about this. I think I'll seek counseling.

again, i am so sorry to hear of your situation. i really am. try again to open dialogue with your surgeon. maybe he is more receptive than you think. also, counseling is always a good idea. until then, watch some of my meditation videos. they may help:
http://lamfacialplastics.com/gallery2/v ... tion-Yoga/
and perhaps this one on postop depression:
http://lamfacialplastics.com/gallery2/v ... d.flv.html
best wishes,
dr. sam lam