Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Prominent or protruding ears can be a source of embarrassment and mental anguish for many people, especially children. A surgical procedure called otoplasty has improved physical and psychological well-being for thousands of people.

Otoplasty, sometimes described as “pinning back” the ears, is designed to change ear shape and contour. It can be performed on children as young as 5 or 6, which is the age when ear growth is mostly complete.

Otoplasty can be performed in a physician’s office, an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital, depending upon the surgeon’s and patient’s preference. The procedure is done under one of various types of anesthesia; children usually require a general or IV type of anesthesia, while adults typically use a simple local anesthetic.

In one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

Recovery typically ranges from several days to one week. Post-surgical pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Bandages are required after surgery as well, along with a type of supportive headband to secure the new placement of the ears. Scars generally fade over time and are generally inconspicuous because the incisions are made within the creases of the ears.

Patients usually resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

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