otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery involving the ears. during
otoplasty, a plastic surgeon can adjust the size, positioning, or shape of your ears.
some people choose to have
otoplasty to correct a structural abnormality. others have it because their ears protrude too far from their head and don’t like it.
keep reading to discover more about
otoplasty, who typically has it, and what the procedure is like.
otoplasty is sometimes referred to as cosmetic ear surgery. it’s performed on the visible portion of the outer ear, called the auricle.
the auricle comprises folds of cartilage that are covered in skin. it starts to develop before birth and continues developing in the years after you’re born.
if your auricle doesn’t develop properly, you may choose to have
otoplasty to correct the size, positioning, or shape of your ears.
there are several different types of
otoplasty:
● ear augmentation;some people may have small ears or ears that haven’t completely developed. in these cases, they may want to have
otoplasty to increase the size of their outer ear.
● ear pinning; this type of
otoplasty involves drawing the ears closer to the head. it’s performed on individuals whose ears stick out prominently from the sides of their head.
● ear reduction; macrotia is when your ears are larger than normal. people with microtia may choose to have
otoplasty to reduce the size of their ears.
● protrude from the head
● are larger or smaller than normal
● have an abnormal shape due to injury, trauma, or a structural issue from birth
●
additionally, some people may have already had
otoplasty and aren’t happy with the results. because of this, they may choose to have another procedure.
good candidates for
otoplasty include those who are:
● ages 5 or older; this is the point when the auricle has reached 90 percent of its adult size.
● in good overall health; having an underlying condition can increase the risk of complications or affect healing.
● nonsmokers; smoking can decrease blood flow to the area, slowing the healing process.
what’s the procedure like?
let’s explore what exactly you can expect before, during, and after your
otoplasty procedure.
before: consultation
always choose a board certified plastic surgeon for
otoplasty. the plastic surgeons have a helpful search tool to help you find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.
before having your procedure, you’ll need to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. during this time, the following things will happen:
● medical history review;be prepared to answer questions about medications you’re taking, past surgeries, and any current or previous medical conditions.
● examination; your plastic surgeon will evaluate the shape, size, and placement of your ears. they may also take measurements or pictures.
● discussion; this includes talking about the procedure itself, the associated risks, and potential costs. your plastic surgeon will also want to hear about your expectations for the procedure.
● questions;don’t be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear or you feel like you need more information. it’s also recommended to ask questions about your surgeon’s qualifications and years of experience.
during: the procedure
otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. it can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the specifics and complexity of the procedure.
adults and older children may receive local anesthesia with a sedative during the procedure. in some cases,
general anesthesia may be used.
general anesthesia is typically recommended for younger children undergoing
otoplasty.
the specific surgical technique that’s used will depend on the type of
otoplasty you’re having. generally speaking,
otoplasty involves:
● making an incision, either on the back of your ear or inside the folds of your ear.
●
manipulating the tissue of the ear, which can include removal of cartilage or skin, folding and shaping of cartilage with permanent stitches, or
grafting of cartilage to the ear.
● closing the incisions with stitches.
after: recovery
following your procedure, you’ll have a dressing placed over your ears. be sure to keep your dressing clean and dry. additionally, try to do the following while your recover:
● avoid touching or scratching at your ears.
● choose a sleeping position where you aren’t resting on your ears.
● wear clothing you don’t have to pull over your head, such as button-up shirts.
● in some cases, you may also need to have stitches removed. your doctor will let you know if this is necessary.
● some types of stitches dissolve on their own.
common post surgery side effects
common side effects during the recovery period include:
● ears that feel sore, tender, or itchy
● redness
● numbness or tingling
your dressing will stay in place for about a week. after it’s removed, you’ll need to wear an elastic headband for another 4 to 6 weeks.you can wear this headband at night. your doctor will let you know when you can return to various activities.
what are the risks or precautions to be aware of?
like other surgical procedures,
otoplasty has some associated risks. these can include:
● a bad reaction to the anesthesia
● bleeding
● infection
● ears that aren’t symmetrical or have unnatural-looking contours
● scarring at or around the incision sites
● changes in skin sensation, which are typically temporary
● suture extrusion, where the stitches securing the shape of your ears come to the surface of the skin and have to be removed and reapplied.