Ear Setback (Otoplasty)

Overview

Ear Setback (Otoplasty)

If protruding or unshapely ears bother you, you may consider plastic surgery. Ear setback (otoplasty) can improve their shape, position or proportion. It can correct defects in ear structure that are present at birth, become apparent with growth or are caused by injury.

The majority of aesthetic ear concerns can be improved with ear setback procedure. These include: “lop ear,” when the top seems to fold down and forward; “cupped ear,” usually a very small ear; and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim and the natural folds and creases are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Split earlobes can be easily repaired.

You can usually have ear setback (otoplasty) as an outpatient. It usually takes about two hours, often done under local anaesthetic, although complicated procedures may take longer. Children up to about 12 years need a general anaesthetic.

Since schoolyard teasing and ridicule can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, many parents seek otoplasty for their children at an early age. Of course, ear surgery can be performed to reshape adult ears as well, to increase self-esteem and improve appearance. Well-hidden incisions are placed behind the ear, which limits visible scarring. This allows our surgeons to gain access to the cartilage of the ears for contouring. Otoplasty brings the ears in balance with the head and face.

Best Candidates

• Self-confidence issues because of the size or shape of their ears
• Protruding ears that stick out
• Large or oversized ears
• Under developed ear cartilage
• Torn earlobes due to heavy jewelry or ear trauma

What to Expect

Otoplasty begins with an incision behind the ear so that the cartilage can be exposed. This cartilage is then removed and/or reshaped until the ear takes on a normal appearance. Excess skin is removed and if the ear shows protrusion, our surgeon will reposition it closer to the head and firmly secure it with non-removable sutures. There are many variables that are used to help redefine the ears. The goal of this surgery is to produce a natural looking result that will be long lasting for the patient.