Aesthetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty, or surgery of the ear, is performed after the ears have reached full size, which is usually around five to six years of age. Even if the ears are only minimally distorted, this condition can lead to a lifetime of self-consciousness.

Adults may also benefit from this surgery, which improves self-esteem and facial appearance with relative ease. Ears can now be “pinned back”, reshaped, reduced, or made more symmetrical. Often, adults choose this surgery in combination with other facial plastic procedures.

For a successful otoplasty, it is important for the ears to be in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head. When considering otoplasty, parents must be confident that they have their child’s best interests at heart. A positive attitude toward the surgery is an essential element for all facial plastic surgery, but it is especially crucial when the patient is a child or adolescent.

Adult candidates for otoplasty need to understand that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in children. A consultation with your surgeon can help parents decide the procedure for their child, not only aesthetically, but also psychologically and physically. Timing is also something to consider. Having ear surgery at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.

At the time of the consultation, your surgeon will examine the structure of the ears and discuss the best available options for correcting the problems. Even if only one ear needs “pinning back,” surgery will probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the most natural, balanced appearance.

After the surgeon and patient decide to proceed with otoplasty, your surgeon will discuss the details of the procedure. A thorough medical history will be expected from your surgeon. Then the type of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs will be explained. Typically, your surgeon will suggest a general anesthesia for young patients and a local anesthetic mixed with a mild sedative for older children and adults. Under normal circumstances, otoplasty takes about two hours to perform.

Surgery starts with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.

In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.

Soft dressings applied to the ears should remain for a few days. It’s common for patients to experience a certain amount of mild discomfort. Sleep patterns may also be disrupted for a week or so for side sleepers, since you won’t be able to apply any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands might be recommended to hold the ears in the desired position up to two weeks after the surgery.

The risks are minimal. There will be a thin white scar in the natural crease behind the ear after healing. Due to its location, visibility is insignificant. However, anything unusual should be immediately reported to the surgeon.