Otoplasty or prominent ears correction

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that changes the position, shape or size of the ears with the help of permanent sutures. You can choose to have an otoplasty if you are bothered by how much your ears stick out of your head (floppy ears). Also, if the ears are deformed due to an injury or birth defect.

The procedure can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size — usually after the age of 5 — and into adulthood. If a baby is born with protruding ears and other ear shape problems, splints can correct them, if the process begins immediately after birth.

Discover more images before and after surgery: Before and after otoplasty.

How many types is otoplasty?

There are different types of otoplasty, including:

Ear bonding: Doctors recommend this type of otoplasty if you or your child have protruding ears that stick out. The goal is to bring the ears closer to the sides of the head and reshape the deformed cartilage.
Ear reduction: If you have large or oversized ears (macrotia), you can call for an ear reduction. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove the tissue to make the ears smaller.
Ear augmentation: If you have deformed, small or not fully developed ears (microtia), the purpose of augmentation is to enlarge the outer part of the ear. This usually requires cartilage or tissue grafting.

What happens during ear surgery?

In general, otoplasty involves several steps, as follows:

The fold of skin behind the ear is cut to expose the underlying cartilage.
The doctor removes the excess cartilage. In some cases, the cartilage is reshaped. For example, the doctor may reshape the cartilage by folding it back and stitching it back together.
The incisions (cuts) are closed with meshes.

Ear surgery takes approximately one to three hours, depending on the complexity. You may be given a local anesthetic and sedation, although some people prefer general anesthesia. Children are given general anesthesia.

Types of ears that can be corrected by otoplasty

Lop ear – when the tip of the ear folds down and forward.
Small ear (microtia).
Shell ear – when the curvature of the outer edge, as well as natural folds and creases, are missing.
Protruding ears – when the ears are too far away from the head.
Protruding ears – when the ears are large in proportion to the size of the head.
Large or extensive earlobes.
Lobes with large folds and wrinkles.
Previous unsatisfactory results.

Other deformities that can be corrected include anotia (lack of ear), cryptotia (ear cartilage partially buried under the skin), Stahl’s ear (ears with a sharp shape and an extra fold of cartilage), rubberized ear (resulting from trauma), and ear keloids (excess scar tissue). Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them due to injury. Otoplasty is usually done on both ears to optimize symmetry. The operation does not change their location or alter hearing.

Steps before surgery

You will talk to a plastic surgeon about otoplasty. During the first visit, the surgeon will take care of aspects such as:

Medical history: Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions, especially any ear infections. Your doctor may also ask you for information about medications you are taking or have recently taken, as well as any previous surgeries.
Physical exam: To determine treatment options, your doctor will examine your ears – including their placement, size, shape, and symmetry. They could also take pictures for the medical file.
Expectations: The doctor will ask you why you want otoplasty and what results you expect after the procedure. Make sure you understand the risks of otoplasty, such as possible overcorrection.
Diet and medications: You’ll need to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
Other precautions: Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you quit smoking before surgery and during recovery.
You’ll also need to make plans for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you on the first night of recovery.

Recommendations after otoplasty

Your doctor will give you postoperative care instructions, such as:

How to care for the surgical site(s) after surgery.
Medications to be applied or administered orally to help heal and reduce the risk of infection.
Specific issues to look out for – at the surgical site(s) or in your overall health.
When to go to your next medical appointment.

General self-care suggestions:

Wear tight bandages, as directed, for one to two weeks, both day and night.
Expect to have pain and swelling for a few weeks.
Avoid any trauma to your ears – for example, don’t play contact sports until your doctor allows you to.
Report any bleeding, severe pain, or unusual symptoms.

Visit the Soma Clinic pricing page to find out how much an otoplasty surgery costs: Prices.

Risks when having ear surgery

Otoplasty, like any other type of major surgery, has risks, such as bleeding, infection, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks associated with otoplasty include:

Scars: While scars are permanent, they will likely be hidden behind the ears or in the folds of the ears.
Asymmetry in ear placement: This occurs as a result of changes during the healing process. Surgery may also not successfully correct the pre-existing asymmetry.
Changes in skin sensation: During otoplasty, the repositioning of the ears can temporarily affect the sensation of the skin in the area. Rarely, changes are permanent.
Allergic reaction: You may have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure.
Problems with sutures. The stitches used to secure the new shape of the ear could reach the surface of the skin and need to be removed. This can cause inflammation of the affected skin. As a result, you may need additional surgery.
Overcorrection: Otoplasty can create unnatural contours that make the ears appear fixed on the back.

Find out more about what Dr. Nicoleta Ferariu has to say about the surgical procedures performed at Soma Clinic on the Youtube channel.

The otoplasty procedures practiced by Soma Clinic surgeons comply with international standards, being unanimously accepted by plastic and aesthetic surgery societies. Soma Clinic is an accredited institution, recognized for its commitment to high safety and quality standards. It ensures that each patient receives the best care, using advanced technologies and proven methods, in a professional and safe environment. As a center of excellence in cosmetic surgery, our clinic is dedicated to the continuous improvement of surgical techniques and outcomes for all our patients.

References

Otoplasty – Mayo Clinic

Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping) – My Cleveland Clinic

Otoplasty (external ear surgery) – Better Health