Q. I have one ear that sticks out more than the other ear. Is it possible to only correct the ear that is bothering me?

A. I often have patients that come in to have an unusual operation. In evaluating your ear problem, your surgeon must first determine whether you have a large conchal bowl (the bowl-shaped part of your ear that abuts your head) or badly shaped anti-helical fold (the fold that shapes your ear).

Once your physician has determined what your problem is, surgery can proceed. The surgery is performed with local anesthesia and mild sedation. If you have a large conchal cartilage, your surgeon can remove some of it and ''set back'' the bowl. If you have an ear that does not have a well-formed anti-helical fold, your surgeon will form one. Usually after a week you can resume most normal activity.

As with all surgeries, be sure to ask your doctor about post-op protocol -- and follow it!

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@