Ear Surgery

Ear surgery (otoplasty surgery) is an outpatient procedure that corrects prominent ears and ears injured from trauma. The cause of a prominent ear is either an absence of the external ear fold (the helix) or a jutting out of the base of the ear. Ear surgery aims to bring prominent ears closer to the head and treat misshapen ears caused by injury. It can address concerns with one or both ears.

Patients considering correction of a prominent ear or injured earlobes will first see Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Wilson in consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Wilson will determine the most appropriate approach for correction of the ear. This may include ear reshaping, ear reduction, ear pinning, or another approach. Following this consultation, a date for surgery is set.

Cosmetic ear surgery can be performed either under general or local anesthesia (without sedation).

Whether or not you’re a good candidate for ear surgery can depend on a number of factors. Ear surgery is available for adults who meet the following criteria:

• Are generally healthy without a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that could impair the healing process.
• Are nonsmokers, as smoking can significantly affect recovery and results.
• Able to communicate their feelings and expectations clearly.
• These qualifications ensure that you are in the best condition to undergo the procedure and achieve optimal results.

Ear surgery will begin with the administration of local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and what Dr. Wilson recommends for you. Once the anesthesia sets in, incisions will be made. Typically, any incisions made to address overly large ears, protruding ears, ear deformity, or other ear trauma are placed on the back surface of the ear.

If any incisions are made to the front of the ear, they will be made within the folds of the ear.

Once excess ear cartilage is removed and the ear is reshaped with sutures, the incisions will be closed with stitches, and bandages will be applied to the surgical area.

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. You may also experience some itchiness under your bandages, but you’ll want to keep your bandages intact and on your incisions to ensure proper healing.

Dr. Wilson will also provide specific instructions on how to take care of your incisions, what medications to take to help with any discomfort and healing, and when to schedule follow-up appointments.

During your recovery process, you’ll want to avoid applying any excess force to your ears, avoid excess sun exposure and tanning beds, and try to ensure your ears aren’t jostled or moved around too much. This may mean you need to avoid clothing that goes over your head until you’re further along in the healing process.

You will likely notice some results immediately with full results showing up relatively quickly (in about one to two weeks) as the swelling goes down and your bandages are removed. You shouldn’t have to worry about any visible scarring as any scars will be hidden behind the ear or in the natural creases.