Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery): Overview
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape, resize, or reposition the ears to improve their appearance and proportion. It’s commonly performed to correct protruding ears (“ears that stick out”), but it can also address:
Overly large or small ears.
Misshapen earlobes or cartilage.
Asymmetrical ears.
Reconstruction after injury or congenital defects.
Key Details
1. Ideal Candidates
Children (5+ years old): Ears are nearly fully developed by age 5, making it a good time for correction.
Teens & Adults: No age limit, but cartilage is firmer in adults.
Healthy individuals with realistic expectations.
2. Procedure Types
Traditional Otoplasty: Reshapes cartilage with sutures or trimming.
Ear Pinning: Pulls ears closer to the head (for protruding ears).
Earlobe Repair: Fixes stretched, torn, or large earlobes.
Non-Surgical Otoplasty: Rare, but some cases use EarWell™ splints (for infants with folded ears).
3. Surgical Steps
Anesthesia: Local (with sedation) for adults; general for children.
Incisions: Made behind the ear (hidden in creases).
Reshaping: Cartilage is folded, stitched, or removed for desired shape.
Closing: Dissolvable or removable sutures.
Duration: ~1–2 hours.
4. Recovery & Aftercare
Bandages: Worn for 1 week (replaced with a headband afterward).
Swelling/Bruising: Subsides in 1–2 weeks.
Pain: Mild discomfort (managed with medication).
Activity: Avoid sports/contact for 4–6 weeks.
Final Results: Visible after 4–6 weeks (full healing in 3–6 months).
5. Risks & Complications
Infection (rare, treated with antibiotics).
Scarring (minimal, hidden behind the ear).
Overcorrection/Undercorrection (may require revision).
Asymmetry (slight differences possible).
6. Cost
$3,000–$8,000 (depends on surgeon, location, complexity).
Insurance: May cover if medically necessary (e.g., birth defects).
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Ear Splints (for newborns): Corrects folded ears if treated early.
Dermal Fillers: Temporary earlobe plumping (not for major reshaping).
Who Should Avoid It?
Those with chronic ear infections (must resolve first).
Patients with unrealistic expectations (cannot make ears “perfect”).
Would you like details on child otoplasty or choosing a surgeon?
