Protruding Ears

Ears that protrude from the head to some degree are common. Frequently, overly prominent ears can affect a patient’s self-confidence. Otoplasty can improve the appearance and correct the prominence by “pinning” back the ear.

Asymmetry

If one ear is larger, lower, higher, or sticks out more than the other, they can be balanced by surgically altering one or both ears.

Otoplasty Techniques

If the ears appear to be prominent, the ears can be “pinned” back. Typically, eb will behind the ear and will reshape the cartilage so that the ear lies closer to the head – while still leaving space for reading glasses or sunglasses.

For those who have protruding ears, it may be a good idea to undergo ear pinning surgery at a young enough age to avoid unnecessary teasing by one’s peers.

Reduction

Ear reductions reduce the size of an excessively large ear, also known as macrotia. This can be performed on a specific part of the appendage or several depending on your reshaping preferences.

Otoplasty is often undertaken by teenage or adult candidates, but children can also be considered if they have sufficiently firm cartilage to allow a safe surgery, typically after the age of five. Some children are born with ear deformities, a series of conditions which affects between 20 and 30 percent of newborns, and parents may wish to address this issue as early as possible.

In certain cases, a version of non-surgical otoplasty, or “tissue molding”, can be performed to correct the deformity. This type of molding must be performed in the newborn period to be effective. Otherwise, the problem can be fixed surgically after the age of five.

Older patients that have cosmetic or medical problems with one or both ears should be assessed to ensure they are healthy enough to have surgery. Smoking and certain medications may put you at a higher risk of complication. It is beneficial to have a specific and realistic expectation of what you would like the surgery to achieve before actually undergoing surgery.