Protruding Ears (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty of the ears, commonly referred to as ear reduction surgery, ear pinning surgery or surgery to pin the ears back corrects protruding and abnormally positioned ears by moving them closer to the head and improving their contour by reshaping them.

What to Expect

  • Anesthesia – Young children: Usually general. Older children or adults: Local with IV sedation or general.
  • Length of Surgery – 2 to 3 hours
  • In / Outpatient – Usually out-patient in our accredited office operating room suite or in a hospital setting. Children under 16 must have the procedure performed in a hospital setting.
  • Recovery – Back to work or school: 5 to 10 days. Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months.
  • Duration of Results – Lasts for several years, results vary.

The Procedure

Incisions are made along the back of the ears. A strip of skin is removed from behind the ears. Normal ear contour is formed either by suturing and/or excising the excess cartilage. The ears are not exactly symmetrical before or after your ear surgery.

Ear Surgery Benefits

  1. Improved Facial Symmetry: Creates a more balanced and harmonious facial profile.
  2. Correction of Deformities: Addresses birth defects, injuries, or issues from previous surgeries.
  3. Reduced Teasing and Bullying: Particularly beneficial for children facing social challenges due to ear appearance.
  4. Minimal Scarring: Incisions are typically placed behind the ear to hide scars.

Good Candidates for Ear Surgery

Good candidates for ear surgery are individuals unhappy with their ears’ size, shape, or position. Children as young as five years old, whose ear cartilage is stable enough for correction, can undergo the procedure, making it a viable option for young patients facing teasing or bullying.

Common Ear Shapes for Surgery

Common issues include protruding ears that stick out more than normal, excessively large ears (macrotia), and lop ears, where the ear tips fold down and forward. Other shapes that can be corrected include cupped ears, which are very small, and shell ears, which lack natural folds and creases.

Ear Surgery Techniques

Ear surgery involves several techniques tailored to the specific needs of the patient. The chosen technique depends on the individual’s ear structure and the corrections needed:

Ear Pinning

Ear pinning, a common form of otoplasty, brings protruding ears closer to the head. This procedure involves making an incision behind the ear, removing or reshaping the cartilage, and securing the ear in its new position with sutures.

Ear Augmentation

Ear augmentation is designed to increase the size or improve the shape of underdeveloped or deformed ears. This can involve using implants or grafts to create a more natural-looking ear.

Ear Reduction

Ear reduction surgery aims to decrease the size of overly large ears by removing excess skin and cartilage to create a smaller, more proportionate ear. The incisions are typically placed in inconspicuous locations to minimize visible scarring.

Ear Surgery for Infants

In some cases, ear deformities in infants can be corrected non-surgically using ear molding techniques. When surgery is necessary, it is generally postponed until the child is older and the ear cartilage is more developed.

Preparing for Ear Surgery

A pre-surgery consultation will cover all necessary preparations and address any concerns. Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions, including avoiding certain medications, arranging post-surgery care, and planning time off from work or school.

Ear Surgery Recovery

Recovery from ear surgery typically involves a few weeks of healing. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Bandages are usually worn for the first few days to support the new ear position.

Results of Ear Surgery

The results of ear surgery are often immediately noticeable once bandages are removed, with improvements in ear shape and position. Final results become more apparent as swelling subsides over the following weeks.

Risks of Ear Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, ear surgery carries some risks. These can include infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation. However, complications are rare when an experienced and qualified surgeon performs the surgery.

What to Expect From an Ear Surgery Consultation

During an ear surgery consultation, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s ear structure, discusses their aesthetic goals, and reviews their medical history. The consultation also includes an explanation of the procedure, potential risks, recovery process, and expected results. This is also an opportunity for patients to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

How old do you have to be?

Otoplasty can be performed anytime after the age of four years old.

5-stars-rating-ping Dear Dr William Sabbagh and Staff, I would like to thank all of you for giving me something I never had or felt before “Self Esteem” it is truly speechless and can not be put into words how I now feel about myself. I waited very a long time for this dream to come true,. Thanks again.

S.I.

What Are the Risks?

No surgical procedure is risk-free, and that includes cosmetic surgery like ear surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Sabbagh, he will review the risks so you can make an educated decision. With an established track record of over 80 years, an accredited facility, and thousands of satisfied patients throughout Dearborn, metro Detroit, Michigan and the U.S., the Straith Clinic has earned an excellent reputation for cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Call us today at 248-270-5272 or send us an email to schedule a consultation during which you can discuss our facial and body services and tour our facility, including our on-site operating facility.

Does otoplasty last forever?

Yes! Your otoplasty results and the appearance of your ears will be permanent.

How do you sleep after ear surgery?

To minimize swelling and keep pressure off your healing ears, sleep with your head elevated for a week after surgery.

Does otoplasty affect hearing?

Hearing loss due to otoplasty is an extremely rare condition and is not likely to happen.

How long is otoplasty surgery?

Otoplasty takes about 2-3 hours depending on the severity.

Can I drive after ear surgery?

After ear surgery and the anesthesia that goes with it, you may have some ear pain and feel groggy for a few days to a week or so. It is recommended you do not drive for at least a few days or until the groggy feeling has passed.

How dangerous is ear surgery?

Ear surgery is a safe procedure but has the same risks as any surgery: bleeding, infection, recurrence, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and scarring

How is ear surgery done?

An incision is made behind each ear and a small strip of skin is removed. The ear cartilage will then be sutured to bring it closer to the head or removed if there is a significant amount of excess tissue.

How long after otoplasty can I exercise?

You may be able to start light activities such as walking within a couple of days after your otoplasty but should wait three weeks for more strenuous exercise and movement.

How long does it take to recover from ear surgery?

You will be able to return to school or work in about a week, but you should wait to undergo strenuous activity and exercise for about 3 weeks.

How long does pain/headache last after otoplasty?

How long does pain/headache last after otoplasty?