Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) at Advanced Dermatology P.C.

Protruding or oversized ears can draw unwanted attention, especially in children, affecting confidence and self-esteem.

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape and reposition the ears for a more balanced appearance.

At Advanced Dermatology, P.C., our board-certified plastic surgeons perform otoplasty and related ear procedures using advanced surgical techniques in a safe, comfortable setting.

Whether you or your child is seeking treatment, we provide personalized care and natural-looking results. Contact our team or continue reading to learn more.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic dermatology surgical procedure that corrects ears that stick out, are overly large, or appear misshapen.

This treatment aims to bring the ears into better proportion with the rest of the face, often by “pinning” them closer to the head.

This surgery can be performed on:

Children (typically age five and older), once the ear cartilage is stable enough for reshaping.
Teens and adults seeking improved facial harmony or correction of a previous deformity.

What Causes Protruding Ears?

Protruding ears are often the result of one or both of the following anatomical variations:

Oversized ear cartilage or crown: The base of the ear protrudes further due to extra cartilage or shape.
Underdeveloped ear folds: If the antihelical fold doesn’t form properly, the ear may stick out without internal support.

Who is a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Ideal candidates for ear surgery include:

Children over the age of 5 who can follow directions and understand the procedure.
Healthy teens and adults with no major medical concerns.
Individuals who want to correct prominent, asymmetrical, or misshapen ears.
Patients with realistic expectations about results.

What to Expect During the Otoplasty Procedure

During your initial consultation, a board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history and discuss your goals to determine if otoplasty is right for you.

Here’s what you can expect:

Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
It is done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on age and case complexity.
An incision is usually made behind the ear, where cartilage is reshaped and sutured into a more natural position.
The procedure typically lasts about two hours.

Torn Earlobe Repair

In addition to otoplasty, we also offer torn earlobe repair. This treatment is ideal for patients who have experienced:

Trauma from earrings.
Stretching from gauges or heavy jewelry.
Tears or deformities from injury.

Repair is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, and excess scar tissue may be removed to ensure optimal healing. The result is a restored earlobe with a barely visible scar.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery:

A head dressing or lighter bandage may be applied to protect the ears and maintain their new position.
Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is common but manageable with prescribed pain medication.
Stitches and bandages are usually removed within a week.
Most patients return to daily activities within 7 to 10 days, but activities that may bend or impact the ears should be avoided for at least one month.

Risks of Ear Surgery

While otoplasty is considered a safe and routine cosmetic procedure, all dermatological services and surgeries carry some risk.

Possible complications include:

Bleeding or infection.
Poor wound healing or scarring.
Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with results.
Irregularities in ear shape or projection.

Following all post-operative instructions and choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon reduces the likelihood of complications.

Regain Confidence with Personalized Ear Surgery Care

If you or your child is self-conscious about ear appearance, ear surgery can make a lasting difference in confidence and quality of life.

At Advanced Dermatology, P.C., our expert plastic surgery team is here to guide you through the entire process, from consultation to recovery.

Book a consultation today to learn more.