Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Guides

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

For those embarrassed by how much their ears stick out from their head, there's a cosmetic procedure that can help. An otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, will reshape your ears. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about the procedure that's sure to improve your self-esteem.

This surgery can dramatically change the way you look. Before meeting with your plastic surgeon for your consultation, check out these ear surgery before and after photos to get an idea of the kind of results you can expect to achieve.

Ear Surgery Procedure

Ear surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical center. For children who have the procedure, general anesthesia is administered. Adult patients may opt for general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon works behind your ear so scarring is hidden. He or she makes an incision that resembles a pea pod in the crease of your ear. This section of skin is removed. Soft tissue may be removed as well. Next, a number of stitches are sewn to close the gap between the remaining ear tissue (cartilage) and your head.

The operation will take from 1½ to 2½ hours. Your head is wrapped in gauze for three days, and pain medication is prescribed but may not be necessary. You're encouraged to wear a headband or sweatband while sleeping. Bruising on your ears will fade about two weeks after surgery.

Advantages of Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

• Immediate results
• Improved self-image
• Minimal downtime
• High success rate

Disadvantages of Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

• Possible risk of infection (as with any surgery)
• High cost
• Side effects of brusing and swelling

Ear deformity can be corrected at any age. Take some time to review these ear surgery before and after photos to see successful examples of this procedure performed on patients just like you.

Contact a board-certified plastic surgeon for a customized solution. He or she will go over all the risks and benefits of otoplasty and make recommendations based on your goals.