How common is asymmetry after otplasty? maybe i'm being paranoid, but i'm scared to get an otoplasty because i'm afraid the surgeon will pin one ear back farther than the other and make me look lopsided.

It : It is very rare for the ears to be noticeably lopsided after otoplasty. Most people (even those who haven't had surgery) don't have perfectly symmetric ears to begin with. In the rare instance where a significant asymmetry becomes evident after otoplasty it is certainly possible to revise the result to make things more even. Discuss your concerns and expectations with your surgeon to make sure you're comfortable before proceeding with surgery.

I : I agree with the other physicians as ear come in all shape and sizes, often on the same head, and greater symmetry is often achieved from an otoplasty procedure. Cartilage sparing techniques are the common mainstay and have the greatest longevity and patient satisfaction. Be healthy and be well, james m. Ridgway, md.

Asymmetry, : Asymmetry, both pre-operatively and post-operatively, is more common than most people think. This natural characteristic can actually make us more "interesting" and even "attractive". Being grossly "lopsided" is a rare occurance after otoplasty, considering that as a plastic surgeon, my job is to help patients become more symmetrical. It is rare that anyone would view both ears at the same time except for a straight-on perspective, but even then, they are usually not looking to compare your ears. You must ask yourself, would improvement, even with minor asymmetry, be worth committing to correct what is currently bothering you?

Ears : Ears are rarely symmetric to begin with and therefore they are unlikely to be perfectly even after surgery. However, the amount of asymmetry is likely to me minimal and not likely noticed by the average observer unless pointed out to them.