Ear Surgery

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, offers the ability to change the shape and appearance of the ear in several ways. Through improving the shape, position and/or proportion of the ear, it can help to correct defects present at birth that slowly became apparent over time or to reshape ears damaged in accidents. The purpose of otoplasty is to recreate a natural, normal shape while bringing proportion and balance to the face.

Specifically, ear surgery can treat:

• Overly large ears - a rare condition called macrotia
• Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees - not associated with hearing loss
• Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
• Damage or a defect to the ear caused by trauma

Ear Lobe/Piercing Correction

In addition to otoplasty some people require ear lobe correction or repair. Whether the ear has experienced damage from large earrings or has become stretched due to different types of gauged ear jewelry, the demand for earlobe repair has rapidly increased in recent years. Through extensive experience correcting damaged earlobes on patients of all ages, our surgeons can help restore the natural appearance of your ears.

Is This a Good Option For You?

Ear Surgery may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoke
• You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

More Information?

If you have questions, please contact us. We are always willing to help you determine if this is right for you.

Otoplasty Words To Know

• Antihelical fold: A fold that is just inside the rim of the ear.
• Conchal cartilage: The largest and deepest concavity of the external ear.
• Constricted ear: Also called a lop or cup ear, has varying degrees of protrusion, reduced ear circumference, folding or flattening of the upper helical rim, and lowered ear position.
• Cryptotia: Also called hidden ear, occurs when the upper rim of the ear is buried beneath a fold of scalp secondary to abnormal folding of the upper ear cartilage toward the head. The folding is the reverse of that commonly seen in the protruding ear.
• Ear axis: The main line of ear growth.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Macrotia: Overly large ears; a rare condition.
• Microtia: The most complex congenital ear deformity when the outer ear appears as either a sausage-shaped structure resembling little more than the earlobe, or has more recognizable parts of the concha and tragus or other normal ear features. It may or may not be missing the external auditory or hearing canal. Hearing is impaired to varying degrees.
• Otoplasty: A surgical procedure also known as ear surgery to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.
• Stahl’s ear: An ear that is distorted in shape due to an abnormal fold of cartilage.

Related Procedures

• Nose Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery/Facial Implants
• Ear Surgery
• Chin Surgery
• Scar Revision