Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery) is performed when the ears are misshapen, oversized or protrude to far from the head. Often, this problem manifests during early childhood. School age children easily see these irregularities, and therefore, this problem causes significant emotional stress to the young child. “Pinning back” the ears can alleviate many of these problems.

Otoplasty can be performed as early as six years of age. When a child reaches six, the ear is 90-95% the size of an adult. Adults often have this surgery as well, especially when hairstyling causes exposure of the enlarged ears.

Procedure

Under general anesthesia (children) or local anesthesia with sedation (Adults) the ears can be successfully repositioned. Incisions are hidden behind the ear. Various techniques can be utilized, however, Plastic surgeon Dr. Karen in Virginia routinely uses permanent sutures to reshape and “pin” back the ear cartilage. Occasionally, Dr. Karen needs to remove excessive cartilage. Once the ears are repositioned, a dressing is applied to the head to keep the ears from moving.

Risks

Risks are few and include bleeding, infection and slight asymmetries. Overall, patients are extremely pleased.

Results

A slight overcorrection is performed. Ear Cartilage is springy and can bounce back. Dramatic results can be seen when the dressings come off.

Post Treatment Instructions

Dressing is left alone for 4-5 days. Patients are prescribed antibiotics and pain medicine. In the office on post operative day #5 the dressing is removed and a head band is used over the ears at night to prevent them from folding onto themselves.

Interested patients should call our Virginia office to schedule a private consultation.

Visit our facial plastic / cosmetic surgery office in Winchester, Virginia (VA), located in Frederick County, Virginia (VA) and accessible to residents of Maryland and West Virginia.

Call our office today to schedule a private consultation.

Before & After Gallery