What Can Otoplasty Correct?

Otoplasty covers any plastic surgery on the ears. While many people think of otoplasty as “pinning the ears” of someone whose ears stick out too far from their head, this is just one of many types of cosmetic surgery that can be performed to correct the shape, size, and position of the ears. Otoplasty can also repair damage to the ears from piercings, genetic conditions, and traumatic injuries.

Protruding Ears

Ears that stick out from the head are one of the most common reasons to undergo otoplasty. This is a common form of cosmetic ear surgery to align the ears more closely to the skull. Depending on the severity, the surgeon can remove a wedge of cartilage from the back of the ear or fold it closer to the head. Otoplasty for protruding ears is sometimes called “ear pinning.”

Asymmetry

Although nearly everyone has one ear that is slightly higher or lower than the other, this is usually a minor difference that goes unnoticed. However, some people have one ear located much higher or lower on the skull, giving the face an asymmetrical look. It can also be difficult to wear glasses if one ear is much higher than the other.

Damaged Earlobes

Individuals with gauged earlobes often undergo otoplasty if they remove the gauges and wind up with large holes in the lobes. Otoplasty removes excess skin and closes the opening in the ear. Once the earlobes have been stretched, they do not return to their normal shape without surgical intervention.

Keloid Removal

Keloids are thick, raised scars that often occur on the ears after an injury or infection. Keloids are shiny, raised scars with clearly visible blood vessels. They are not dangerous, but they are unsightly and can grow more obvious if not removed.

Overly Large Ears

Ears that do not fit the size of your head or your facial features can make you self-conscious about your appearance. Having oversized can be corrected with otoplasty, but this is one of the few types of ear surgery that can leave visible scars. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons, discussing the options with Dr. Gilbert. Some people who feel their ears are “too big” discover that having surgery so the ears lay flatter against the skull gives the impression that the ears are not as large.

Mis-shaped Ears

Ears are sometimes mis-shaped from birth due to congenital defects or traumatic injuries. Cauliflower ears are a common injury among wrestlers, martial artists, and boxers who may take frequent blows to the ear, resulting in inflammation and damaged blood vessels and cartilage.

Most kinds of deformity of the ear can be corrected with otoplasty.

Who is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Anyone in good health over the age of five or six (when the ears stop growing) is a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery. Many children undergo otoplasty for prominent ears when they are young because their peers tease them. Adults with sports injuries or body modifications that have distorted their ears may choose otoplasty to correct the damage.

Anyone unhappy with the appearance of their ears should consider otoplasty. If you are interested in improving the appearance of your ears and putting them into the proper position and scale for your face, please get in touch with our office at Inland Institute - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 909-982-8888 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gilbert.