Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is an aesthetic procedure that alters the size, position and proportion of the ears. This corrective procedure is popular among adults and children alike. The human ear is fully developed at around 5 years and that is the youngest age that patients are able to get the corrective procedure. Generally this procedure is done for a few reasons:
- if the patient is born with overly large or small ears
- the ears are disproportionate to your head or oddly placed
- your ears stick out prominently
- after an injury that has negatively impacted the shape or positioning of your ears
The results of the procedure vary based on the corrections that are desired, but this procedure commonly improves self-confidence. Last year, over 24,000 Otoplasty procedures were done in the US and 90% of the patients who had ear surgery said the procedure was worth it.
There are different procedures that fall under Otoplasty, depending on the patients needs:
- Ear Pinning is done when the patient has protruding ears that stick out. The incision is made behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and remove excess skin. The incisions are then closed with non-removable stitches or sutures.
- Reconstructive Otoplasty is required for deformities or injuries, such as, burns, lacerations, infected or torn piercings. Reconstructive procedures blends a variety of surgical techniques and to recreate a natural-looking ear. In several cases, cartilage can be removed from the ribs to augment the ear and if a skin graft is necessary, tissue is usually transferred from the upper buttock area.
- Bilateral Otoplasty is required when correction is needed when both pinning and reshaping is required for one or both ears.
- Ear Reduction is done when the size of the ear is larger in proportion to the head. During the procedure, the doctor will remove unwanted cartilage and skin and reshape the ear to create a smaller size.
Most otoplasty procedures are outpatient procedures, with final results visible after 2 weeks. Many patients notice small changes that can occur for up to 12 months after the surgery, with results lasting indefinitely. Contact a local plastic surgeon to find out if this procedure is right for you.