EAR SURGERY (OTOPLASTY)

Surgery can improve the shape or positioning of the ears, making them look normal. It can also reduce the size of your ears if they are large in proportion to your other features. If your ears protrude more than normal, surgery can reposition them closer to your head.

Ear surgery is also possible as early as five or six years old, because the ears are almost totally developed by then. When the ears are corrected prior to the child entering school, the surgery helps eliminate potential psychological trauma from the teasing of other children. Adults, and older children may also have their ears reshaped. As long as you are in good health, there is no age limit for the surgery.

The ears are positioned closer to the head by reshaping the supporting tissue, called the cartilage. This is usually done through incisions placed behind the ears, so that resulting scars will be hidden in a natural skin crease.

A small portion of skin behind the ear, sometimes with the underlying fat, is removed. Then the cartilage is recontoured and stitched to bring the ear into its correct position. This reshaped cartilage restores the ear fold and makes the ear lie flatter against the head.

After surgery, a gauze dressing, bandage or headband may be worn for a few days or several weeks to ensure that the ears heal in their new, corrected position. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for several weeks.

Dr. Beninger has extensive experience in performing these procedures, and is happy to answer your questions.

Email a question to Dr. Beninger