Setback

Otoplasty

Overview:

If protruding or unshapely ears bother you, you may consider plastic surgery. Ear surgery (otoplasty) can improve their shape, position or proportion. It can correct defects in ear structure that are present at birth, become apparent with growth or are caused by injury.

The majority of aesthetic ear concerns can be improved with surgery. These include: “lop ear,” when the top seems to fold down and forward; “cupped ear,” usually a very small ear; and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim and the natural folds and creases are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Split earlobes can be easily repaired.

You can usually have ear surgery as an outpatient. It usually takes about two hours, often done under local anaesthetic, although complicated procedures may take longer. Children up to about 12 years need a general anaesthetic.

Since schoolyard teasing and ridicule can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, many parents seek otoplasty for their children at an early age. Of course, ear surgery can be performed to reshape adult ears as well, to increase self-esteem and improve appearance. Well-hidden incisions are placed behind the ear, which limits visible scarring. This allows our surgeons to gain access to the cartilage of the ears for contouring. Otoplasty brings the ears in balance with the head and face.

Candidates:

Our plastic surgery office works with children as young as age 5 so that their ears can be reshaped prior to the start of elementary school. However, ear surgery can be performed on individuals of any age. Good candidates are men or women who demonstrate:

  • Self-confidence issues because of the size or shape of their earsProtruding ears that stick out
  • Large or oversized ears
  • Under developed ear cartilage
  • Torn earlobes due to heavy jewelry or ear trauma

After Surgery / Recovery:

Swelling and bruising can be minimal after otoplasty. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve during the first couple of weeks after surgery, although this will vary between patients. A head dressing is applied immediately after surgery and removed at the first office visit. An elastic headband must be worn for several more weeks for protection. Patients must avoid strenuous activity for a minimum of 1-2 months following surgery. Children will need to be monitored closely so that they do not pick or scratch at their ears during the healing phase.

Procedure Planning:

Initial Meeting : 45-60 minutes
Pre-op : 30-45 minutes
Procedure time :
Recovery Time :
Post-op follow-up :

Related Procedures:

Blepharoplasty
Ptosis
Canthopexy
Facelift

Before & After Photographs

 

BEFORE

AFTER

If you would like to book a consultation, we can outline your options, and ensure that all the important details are explained and your questions and concerns fully answered.