The ear reshaping surgery is among the top 10 most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S.

What can ear surgery do for you?

• Ear surgery can improve: The position or proportion of the ear.
• Ear surgery can correct: A defect in the ear structure.
• Ear surgery can treat: Misshapen ears caused by injury.

 Ear Surgery Can Treat

• Macrotia: Overly large ears
• Protruding ears
• A previous ear surgery

Facts about Otoplasty

• You’re never too old for Otoplasty
• It won’t hurt that much
• Your ears will never be perfectly identical
• It uses permanent sutures that come undone
• You may want to quit contact sports after getting it done

Candidates

Having a procedure at a young age is ideal.

The cartilage is firmer in a fully developed ear, which makes it harder to be molded.

Procedure can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size – which is around 5 to 6 years old.

Children who are good candidates

• Are healthy
• Don’t present a life-threatening illness
• Don’t have untreated chronic ear infections
• Follow instructions well
• Communicate feelings

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates

• Are healthy
• Don’t present a life-threatening illness
• Don’t have medical conditions that can impair healing
• Are non-smokers
• Are positive
• Have specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Who cannot have ear surgery?

• You should be in good general health and have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
• If you are prone to keloid (red, angry, raised) scars, or have a history of problems with wound healing, it is not recommended to have this procedure done.

The procedure

• Incision behind the ear
  • In the natural fold were the ear and the head join
• Cartilage and skin are molded
  • In some cases, sutures will be applied to secure the new shape in place
• Natural healing will orient the ear into the desired position
• Dressings are applied to aid in healing and comfort

Recovery

• Your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so if you’re used to sleeping on your side
• Wear a headband for a couple of weeks to hold the ears in the desired position
• Scar will be hidden in the natural crease behind the ear

Otoplasty Costs

Costs may include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical tests