Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. This surgery is commonly performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Since ears are almost fully grown by age 4, the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible.

A child must be ready for the surgery. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

Besides protruding ears, other ear problems which can benefit from surgery include ‘lop ear’ when the top seems to fold down and forward, ‘cupped ear’ which is usually a very small ear, and ‘shell ear’ when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing.

Most patients, you and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. It is important to remember that the goal is improvement, not perfection.

The Surgery

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist.

Step 2 – The Surgery

The surgery is performed in a fully-credentialed outpatient surgery center. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable sutures are used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally the surgeon may 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 suture is used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

Step 3 – See the Results

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Within a few days, bandages will be replaced with a light head dressing. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for about a month.

Making the Wise Choice

Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. A doctor’s board certification is one of the best indicators of his or her training. Ask for certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only one of 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigorous standards:

• Graduate from an accredited medical school

• Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training

• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams