Ear Surgery / Otoplasty - Plastic Surgery

Ear Surgery Topics Background Best Candidates Uncertainty & Risks Planning for Surgery Where the Surgery is Performed How the Surgery is Performed Anesthesia Post-op Q&A

Background on Ear Surgery

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is a plastic surgery operation that is used to reduce the appearance of large protruding ears. This can help make the ears appear proportional to the face, head and body of an individual. Many people suffer from having ill-proportioned ears from birth and are often the target of teasing and ridicule, particularly at a young age. Otoplasty procedures can ameliorate both the pain of taunting as well as the self-consciousness of protruding ears.

Otoplasty / Ear Surgery - Are You A Candidate?

Otoplasty is frequently performed on children, because the ear is fully developed at about age four and children with prominent features are often targets of ridicule and teasing by their peers. Ear pinning is commonly performed to reduce the size of big ears, reshape asymmetrical ears, or add skin tissue to create a balanced look. However, ear pinning surgery patients can be of any age. The best candidates have realistic expectations about the benefits of surgery. Otoplasty, as with all forms of plastic surgery, can enhance one's appearance but is not designed to directly improve self-esteem. It is important to adopt a practical perspective when considering otoplasty / ear surgery.

^ back to top

Ear Surgery Procedures & Risks

The procedures involve repositioning or reconstructing the ear to improve aesthetic appearance. Some types of ear pinning involve removing a sliver of cartilage from behind the ear and suturing the cartilage back together. This reshapes the ear to appear smaller or closer to the head.

^ back to top

Where Otoplasty Surgery is Performed

Due to its generally non-invasive nature, otoplasty or ear pinning surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, surgery center, or doctor's office-based facility. However, there are occasions where it is suggested that the patient stay overnight in the hospital. The location of the surgery is dependent upon your individual needs, and by working with your plastic surgeon you will develop a treatment plan that ensures your comfort and satisfaction.

^ back to top

Anesthesia for Otoplasty Surgery

For many patients, local anesthesia is used in combination with a sedative to ensure that those undergoing otoplasty or ear pinning surgery are awake but extremely relaxed. However, for young children or more extensive procedures general anesthesia may be used so that the patient will sleep through the surgery, which often takes 2 - 3 hours.

^ back to top

Preparing for Ear Surgery

Your plastic surgeon will fully explain the steps you should take to prepare for your otoplasty or ear pinning surgery. Preparation includes a physical exam along with the standard blood tests before any surgery. You will likely be given a set of instructions on which medications you should or should not be taking before your operation. Additionally, you will also have the entire operation and recovery process explained to you in detail to ease any feelings of uncertainty you may experience.

^ back to top

Planning for an Ear Pinning

Patients who are most satisfied with their otoplasty results are those who initially felt uncomfortable about their ears and desired the surgery to begin with. Therefore, it is important for parents not to insist that their child undergo ear pinning surgery. The decision should be that of the patient, and nobody else. Plastic surgeons have developed different methods to treat various ear conditions, and during your initial consultation your doctor will evaluate the condition and provide instructions on how to plan for the operation.

^ back to top

How the Ear Surgery Surgery is Performed

An otoplasty is one of the simplest and safest cosmetic procedures. One of the more common techniques begins with a small incision on the back of the ear to expose the cartilage underneath the skin. The doctor will then remove and sculpt the cartilage into a new shape, and if they need to remove a great deal of tissue they will occasionally fold the cartilage over the side of the ear to create a more natural looking shape. In some cases some skin behind the ear is removed and the ear is physically stitched back in order to reduce any over-prominence.

^ back to top

Recovery from an Otoplasty Procedure

Within a few hours of surgery, most patients are able to head home without any major discomfort. The patient's head is wrapped in a bandage to ensure proper healing and adequate molding of the ears to the head. This bandage is removed in just a few days, and stitches are removed about a week after the otoplasty procedure. Although recovery is quick for ear pinning surgery, any activities that may involve bending or pulling the ears should be avoided for a month or so.

^ back to top

Ear Surgery / Otoplasty Questions and Answers

How will I be evaluated for ear surgery/otoplasty?
At your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your current concerns and otoplasty goals with you. It is imperative to be very open and honest with your doctor regarding your expectations. Based on the information you provide your plastic surgeon and a history of your health as well as that of your family, you will be evaluated for otoplasty or ear pinning surgery.

Where are incisions placed for ear surgery/otoplasty?
One of the more common techniques utilizes a small incision on the back of the ear. Although a small scar will form where the incision was placed, over time it will fade and become hardly noticeable. Otoplasty is a form of plastic surgery that can enhance your appearance without leaving behind obvious marks of the work being done.

How can my plastic surgeon restore my appearance?
Few people immediately think of their ears when considering cosmetic surgery, but for those of us who have suffered ridicule and teasing because of our ears, corrective surgery can make dreams come true. Through otoplasty or ear pinning surgery, plastic surgeons can reduce the prominence of your ears which can result in a greater self-image and more confidence.

What will the day of the operation be like?
On the day of the operation, you will be given a form of anesthesia that will have already been discussed with your plastic surgeon. After you are sedated, doctors will carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure and during your recovery. The otoplasty procedure typically takes two or three hours to perform, and most patients are able to be up and about not long after the surgery is completed.

How can I expect to look immediately following surgery?
Immediately after the surgery the doctor will wrap the head of the patient in a bulky bandage that is essential to ensure proper molding and compression of the newly sculpted ear. A few days later this bandage will be replaced by a less cumbersome wrapping, and any temporary stitches will dissolve. After a couple weeks most of the recovery process is done.

When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Fortunately, patients who undergo otoplasty or ear pinning surgery are able to return to their normal lives soon after surgery. Patients may return to work or school after about a week of rest, but bending or stressing the ear is discouraged for about a month. Because an otoplasty is such a relatively simple procedure, the recovery time is often significantly less painful than other cosmetic surgeries.

How long can I expect results to last?
Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery produces permanent results. Your newly sculpted ears will be improved forever, and you will never again be the target of childish teasing or ridicule.

^ back to top

If you’d like more specific answers to these questions, the best place to start is by consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon.

First Name:
Last Name:
Phone:
	Home Work Cell
Email:
Zip:
Select Procedures:	Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic Dentistry Bariatrics Facial Plastics Hair Loss Spa
Comments or Questions:

Ear Surgery - Plastic Surgery

SEARCH doctors by zip

Ear Surgery / Otoplasty - Plastic Surgery

Background on Ear Surgery

Otoplasty / Ear Surgery - Are You A Candidate?

Ear Surgery Procedures & Risks

Where Otoplasty Surgery is Performed

Anesthesia for Otoplasty Surgery

Preparing for Ear Surgery

Planning for an Ear Pinning

How the Ear Surgery Surgery is Performed

Recovery from an Otoplasty Procedure

Ear Surgery / Otoplasty Questions and Answers

Dr. John Minoli, M.D.

Search doctors by state