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Ear Surgery

Otoplasty - Ear Surgery

Ears that appear to stick out or are overly large can be helped by ear surgery.

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears by repositioning them closer to the head. Ear surgery may also be used to treat lop ear, cupped ear, shell ear, large or stretched lobes, lobes with large creases and wrinkles, and missing ears.

This surgery is typically performed on younger patients aged four to fourteen, though it can also be performed on adult patients. The ears are nearly fully grown by the age of six. Furthermore, performing the surgery at an early age can help spare children the teasing often associated with large or protruding ears. Anyone considering otoplasty must be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations for the outcome of the surgery. During the consultation, Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota will carefully examine you or your child’s ears and discuss the surgical alternatives. It’s important that you discuss your expectations in detail at this time.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear
without removing cartilage

Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota typically perform ear surgery at their in-office surgical facility at Associated Plastic Surgeons. This is a state-of-the-art operating room that is fully approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). The surgery usually takes two to three hours to complete and is often performed with general anesthesia for younger children or local anesthesia and sedation for older children and adults. Incisions are small and are located on the back of the ear.

Creating a fold in the cartilage
makes the ear lie flatter against
the head and appear more natural.

The exact nature of the otoplasty surgery will depend on the particular patient. In some cases, cartilage is sculpted and then bent back toward the head and non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. A larger piece of cartilage may need to be removed to provide a more natural-looking fold. With other techniques, skin may be removed and stitches used to fold the cartilage onto itself in order to reshape the ear. Bandages applied after surgery are usually removed within a few days and replaced with a lighter head dressing. If drainage tubes are used, they are removed after one or two days. Swelling and bruising may occur, and the swelling can be minimized by elevating the head for the first few days after surgery. Numbness of the skin may also occur. Medication can be prescribed to help control any discomfort that occurs, though discomfort typically isn’t significant. Patients usually feel well enough to return to work or school within five to seven days after undergoing otoplasty.

Frequently Asked Ear Surgery Questions

What is ear surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty as it is also known, is a procedure which can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. The surgery can reduce the ears in size or set them back closer to the head. Ear surgery may also treat other abnormalities of the ear including lop ear, cupped ear, shell ear, large or stretched lobes, lobes with large creases and wrinkles, and missing ears.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?
Candidates for ear surgery include individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Surgery may be performed on young patients as early as age four and it is often recommended that it be performed early on to help spare children the teasing that may be associated with large or protruding ears. It's also important that ear surgery candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations.

At what age can ear surgery be performed?
Ear surgery may be performed once the ears are nearly fully grown, which can be as early as age four.

What occurs during a consultation for ear surgery?
During the consultation for ear surgery, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your ears or your child's ears, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the ear surgery procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered.