Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the appearance of a person's external ears. It can take many forms.
The most common procedures are bringing the ears closer to the head (often called ear pinning), reducing the size of big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. There is a genetic component to prominent ears, common in the Irish and other Celtic races.
The procedure can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing.
What otoplasty will not do?
You will not have perfect symmetry after the surgery. Nobody does. In fact the ears are a very asymmetric part of the body. What is important for successful otoplasty is that the ears be in proportion to the size and shape of the head. The procedure will not improve your hearing.
What are the risks?
Like all cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks involved and it is important that you understand them. There are general risks associated with surgery as well as risks specific to this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. You should then reassess whether it is right for you. Overall, this is a safe procedure; complications are infrequent and usually minor. These include excessive scarring, infection and blood clots that may need to be drained. |
