Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Used on both children and adults alike, otoplasty is most commonly used for two primary instances: To lay protruding ears closer to the head and to reduce the size of overly large ears.

It may also be helpful for the following conditions:

• Large or protruding ears
• Lop ear (top of the ear folds downward or inward)
• Cupped ear (a small ear)
• Shell ear (no outer curve in the cartilage)
• Large, stretched, or torn earlobes
• Earlobes with large creases and wrinkles

Otoplasty starts with a small incision on the back surface of the ear, well-hidden in the natural folds of the ear. Any incision made to the front of the ear is strategically placed within the natural creases of the ear. The ear’s cartilage will then be sculpted and bent to the desired shape and size. Adjustments are normally made to the antihelical fold or the conchal bowl to reduce misshaped ears. Suture and bandages are placed to hold the modification in place while taking care to give the ear a very natural feel. In order for the patient’s ears to remained balanced, both ears may need to be adjusted, even if only one may be misshapen. The type of anesthesia used typically depends on the age of the patient. Younger patients may require general anesthesia, while adults and older children may be able to use local anesthesia with sedation.

The patient will most likely feel discomfort and pain in the ears for a few days following surgery, however medication can be made available to help reduce the amount of soreness. Stitches and bandages will normally be removed after approximately a week, and patients can resume their daily rituals. Otoplasty will make the ears very sensitive for the following weeks and patients should avoid sleeping on their side, or any physical activity that may injure the healing process.