Cosmetic Ear Surgery

They say that, just like fingertips, no ear is the same. They are unique assets that frame the face, giving it balanced symmetry that can accentuate your other features. Sometimes, due to genes or injuries, ears lose their symmetry and become disproportional to the face, which can affect a person’s self-image and confidence. In that case, otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery is the most effective, long-term solution for external ear irregularities.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery is a type of surgery that corrects ear irregularities and asymmetries. It is a permanent solution for various congenital (developed while the baby is in the womb) and trauma-related external ear deformities.

While people usually relate it to ear pinning, otoplasty can actually correct other conditions besides protruding ears. It is a very effective form of treatment for Stahl’s ear, cauliflower, and constricted ears. It is also used as a treatment for microtia, and types of trauma-related conditions such as torn or split earlobes.

Common types of otoplasty include reconstructive surgeries (helix rim and lobe reconstruction), but overall, the most common type of cosmetic ear surgery is ear pinning.

Ear Pinning

Ear pinning is performed so often compared to other types of cosmetic ear surgery that it almost became a synonym for otoplasty.

To avoid confusion, ear pinning stands for the type of otoplasty that corrects protruding ears. The procedure brings ears closer to the head, so they don’t stick out as much. This balances your head symmetry, boosting your appearance and confidence.

The Procedure

Cosmetic ear surgery starts with local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, surgeons can use one or a combination of several different techniques to achieve the best possible effect. After the first incision, depending on the technique they are using, surgeons can fold or remove a part of the cartilage so the ears fall closer to the head, or they can just remove and reconnect the skin behind the ears, leaving the cartilage untouched, but still bringing ears closer to the head. Which technique they use, depends on the asymmetry type and severity.

The otoplasty procedure is mostly done so quickly that you can go home the same day. The recovery process is also fast – you will be back at work in just a day or two.

What Is Treated with Otoplasty?

Patients might undergo otoplasty for multiple reasons, which include:

• Mild to severe ear protrusion,
• Ear asymmetry,
• Congenital ear deformities (such as Stahl’s ear and macrotia),
• Trauma-caused ear irregularities (such as earlobe split and tearing),
• Cauliflower and other external ear damage caused by martial arts training or combat (such as MMA, Brazilian jiujitsu, kickboxing).

Pre and Postoperative Care

During pre-surgery consultations, your surgeon will inform you about the steps of the procedure and the techniques they will use, as well as answer any questions you might have. Once the surgery is scheduled, they will give you advice on how to prepare for it.

After the surgery, your surgeon will provide advice about postoperative care. It will take a few days for bandages to come off. Following that, you might have to wear headbands while you are sleeping, so your results can settle into place.

Is Otoplasty the Only Form of Treatment?

Because the shape of a person’s cartilage is determined by genes, there is little to nothing you can do, besides getting cosmetic surgery, to improve the symmetry of your ears. Headbands, beanies, scarves, and good haircuts can only go so far. If you are looking for long-term success, then otoplasty is the most effective permanent treatment for external ear irregularities.

Financing

Depending on the complexity of the procedure and techniques the surgeon applied, the price of otoplasty might vary. If you want to find out more information, contact us and schedule your consultations!