Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty or commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning can improve the shape, position and/for the proportion of the ear. This surgery can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or made possible by injury.

Which conditions can be corrected with an otoplasty?

Conditions:

• Protruding ears that (unilateral or bilateral)

• Overly large ears

• Cauliflower ears-this happens during sports injuries mostly in wrestling and mixed martial arts.

The most common deformity is “protruded ears”. One reason for this is that a curvature found in the ear (anti-helix) may not be present, the other reason ears may protrude is that they may have a very broad bowl. If this is the case, then the bowl of the ear may be shaped to help bring back the ear to the head. Most of the time both of these procedures are combined in an otoplasty to give the ears a natural look. The surgery to correct the problem should be done in children before enrolling in primary school to avoid potential teasing and self-esteem problems. However, otoplasty can be performed safely and effectively on patients of any age.

How is the procedure done?

Incisions are hidden behind the ear, allowing access to the ear cartilage. The cartilage is then re-shaped and enforced with sutures. Occasionally, a small amount of cartilage is removed if the ear is over-developed.

The surgery takes approximately 1- 2 hours depending on the patient’s deformity. Ear surgery is performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, minor deformities can be done under local anesthesia. 

Otoplasty results are permanent and the procedure only has to be performed once.