Otoplasty is Cosmetic Ear Surgery designed to change the shape, position, or to a lesser extent the size of the ears. It’s most commonly performed to correct ears that stick out too far (also called Protruding Ears) or to address irregular shapes due to genetics, injury, or prior surgery. Prominent Ears are corrected via Ear Pinning.
Sometimes one ear is significantly more prominent than the other. Otoplasty can be tailored to your needs as shown in these Otoplasty before and after pictures.
Here are some helpful facts about Otoplasty:
What is Otoplasty?
The Otoplasty Procedure: The surgeon makes small incisions—usually behind the ear or within its natural folds—then reshapes cartilage, removes excess tissue if needed, and repositions the ear closer to the head.
Anesthesia for Cosmetic Ear Surgery: Local anesthesia with sedation is an option for adults, while general anesthesia is a better choice for children and adults who prefer to sleep through the operation.
How Long Does Otoplasty Take?: About 1–3 hours depending on complexity.
Recovery After Ear Surgery: Bandages are worn for a week, followed by a headband while sleeping for at least three months. Swelling and mild discomfort usually resolve in a couple of weeks.
Reasons People Choose Otoplasty
Ear Pinning is safe and effective for men. Even with short hair, the scar remains hidden behind the ears even just a few weeks after surgery, like the patient shown above.
So what are the most common reasons for Otoplasty? The top five reasons are:
- Prominent ears that stick out
- Large ears especially the bell of the ear (concha) or ear lobes
- Misshapen ears like cupped ears or Stalls ears (Spock ears)
- Previous ear surgery that didn’t achieve the desired result
- Trauma-related deformities (accidents)
Benefits of Otoplasty
The goals of Otoplasty vary from person to person. In general they include:
- Improved ear symmetry and proportion
- A more natural appearance
- Improved self-confidence, especially in children who may face teasing
Risks of Ear Surgery
Otoplasty restores confidence in wearing one’s hair up. If you have been hiding ears that stick out, Otoplasty can provide you the option to wear hair up or cut it short.
There are risks associated with surgery. A healthy person in the hands of an experienced, Board Certified Surgeon has the best chance of reducing their risks. Common risks of Otoplasty include:
- Scarring even Keloids (though usually hidden behind the ear)
- Asymmetry or overcorrection
- Changes in skin sensation (temporary or permanent)
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- The need for additional surgery
Alternatives to Ear Pinning
Children over the age of five can have Otoplasty. By 5-years-old the ear is 75% of its adult size.
At this time there are no reliable alternatives to surgical correction of the ears. Patients have used adhesive devices behind their ears to hold the ears back, but these are irritating and prone to failure. Non-surgical Ear Molding may be effective for newborns/infants, since their cartilage is soft and moldable for a few weeks after birth. For older children and adults, surgery is usually the only effective option.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery Consultations
Otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for reshaping or repositioning the ears, offering significant aesthetic and psychological benefits. Make an appointment with an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals, understand the procedure, and set realistic expectations for the outcome. In the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 to schedule your private consultation.
Para saber más sobre Otoplastia, ya sea para usted o para su hijo/a, por favor visite nuestra Página de Cirugía de Oreja (Otoplastia), o llame al (925) 943-6353 para programar una consulta personalizada.
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