EAR SURGERY

Ear surgery, or Otoplasty, is most commonly performed to correct the position of protruding or prominent ears on one or both sides.  Surgical techniques create or increase an underdeveloped  fold or reduce enlarged conchal cartilage to create a more normal appearance. Surgery can also be performed to improve large or stretched earlobes or to repair split earlobes that can occur from wearing heavy earrings.

Less common ear deformities that can affect one ear or both include: "lop ear," when the top seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and, "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing.

Microtia is a complex congenital ear deformity where the outer ear is severely disfigured.  Hearing is impaired in varying degrees.  Reconstruction requires staged surgical procedures to create a more normal external ear and improve hearing and is typically performed by specially trained plastic surgeons at specialized centers.

Technique for correcting prominent ears:   Reshaping or removal of ear cartilage to reduce the angle of protrusion and bring the ear closer to the head. 

This procedure is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia is usually  recommended in the case of children.

Initial swelling dissipates over 2 to 4 weeks. Protective headwear is usually recommended to prevent recurrence of prominent ears in the early healing phase.  Incision sites continue to refine and fade for 1 year. Cartilage is flexible and therefore results may not be fully predictable.

Earlobe surgery is typically an in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia.  Repiercing can frequently be done about 1 month after repair.

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