Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)

If the size of your ears or how far they may stick out is a concern of yours, ear reshaping, or otoplasty, may give you the desired look you would prefer. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the size of overly large ears and/or to position your ears so that they rest flatter against your head. It can also correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury. The procedure can be done in adults or as soon as one's ears are fully grown, usually by the age of 5-6 years old.

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

Is it right for me?

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

• Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
• Generally 5 years old, or when a child's ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
• Cooperative and follow instructions well
• Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Some of the risks include:

• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Asymmetry
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration/swelling
• Anesthesia risks
• Unfavorable scarring
• Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• Pain, which may persist
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Reoccurance of projection

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