Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery, is a procedure to change the ears’ shape, position, or size.

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty surgery?

You may choose to undergo otoplasty if you are bothered that your ears are set too far back from your head. You might also consider otoplasty if one or both of your ears are deformed due to an injury or birth defect.Otoplasty can be performed once the ears have reached their final size (usually after age 5) through adulthood.

You might consider otoplasty in the following cases:

• One or both of your ears stick out too far from the head.
• You have large ears about the size of your head.
• You are not satisfied with your previous ear surgery.
• Otoplasty is usually performed on both ears to optimize symmetry.

Otoplasty will not change the location of the ears or alter your ability to hear.

During the procedure

Otoplasty techniques vary depending on the type of correction needed. The specific plan chosen by our plastic surgeon will determine the location of the incisions and resulting scars.

The physician may make incisions in the back of the ears in the inner folds of the ears.
After making the incisions, the doctor will be able to remove excess cartilage and skin. They will then bend the cartilage into the correct position and secure it with internal stitches. Finally, additional stitches will be used to close the incisions.
The procedure usually takes about two hours.

Otoplasty recovery

The ears are covered with bandages to protect and support them.
You may experience discomfort or itching. Take pain medication as recommended by your doctor. If you take pain medication and discomfort increases, contact your doctor immediately.Avoid sleeping on your side to not put pressure on your ears. Also, try not to rub or apply excessive force to the incisions. It is advisable to wear button-down shirts or shirts with wide collars.A few days after otoplasty, the doctor will remove the bandages. Your ears will probably be swollen and red. You may need to wear a loose headband at night to cover your ears for a few weeks. This will keep your ears from flopping forward when you turn in bed.

Results
Once the bandages are removed, you will notice an immediate change in the appearance of your ears. These changes are permanent.