Ear surgery – also known as Otoplasty – can improve the position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

The shape and positioning of your ears has a significant impact on your overall appearance. Most people prefer ears that lie close to the head. Ears out of proportion with the rest of the face draw too much attention to themselves. This mars the appearance of even the most attractive person. Individuals suffering from protruding ears can benefit from ear pinning surgery. Dr. Ross Clevens, a board certified facial plastic surgeon located in Melbourne, FL can help.

Otoplasty explained

The ear surgery is done by means of an incision in the posterior area of the ear, so that the cartilage is accessed in order to sculpt it, remove a part, or simply reposition it in its proper position. If the surgeon considers it appropriate, he can give some internal points to try to correct the shape and optimal position. This is the most used technique, although each patient requires a previous study to estimate if it is the most adequate. Its main advantage is that the scar is located in an area that is not visible to the naked eye.

Ear surgery has an average duration that is usually between 2 and 4 hours, although it is a small or simple operation, each patient requires a different time.

What may be helped by otoplasty?

• Position of your ears
• Prominence of your ears
• Holes created by piercings

What will not be helped by otoplasty?

• Shape of the ears
• Hearing

Dr. Clevens performs otoplasty for the set back and repositioning of prominent ears. In some patients, this may be performed as young as six or seven years of age.

Many suggest improving the appearance of prominent ears in children before they enter the first grade. However, many adolescents, adults, and even older adults seek improvement of the shape and positioning of their ears; otoplasty may be performed at any age.

Ear surgery in children

The ear surgery is usually performed in children under 15 years of age. There are cases in which both, the parents and the child, agree on an operation to improve their aesthetics, but it is preferred to wait at a later age, so the child is in full growth. This really is a valid criterion for many interventions and treatments, but in this case, the ears usually stop growing between 4 and 5 years, and therefore finish their development.

It is not recommended to undergo an ear surgery in case the child is not displeased with their ears because apart from all the risks involved in entering the operating room, by announcing to the child the possibility of an intervention, could also affect their self-esteem.

Ear surgery recovery

Ear surgery is an intervention that has the advantage of being able to perform a quick recovery after the operation. The patient is usually well within hours after an otoplasty and it is rarely necessary to enter the clinic. Only in cases where the patient is a small child, will be kept under medical observation for the duration of the general anesthesia.

It is normal that after the operation there are some pains, but totally bearable. If in some case pain were too acute, the doctor will be the one to determine what treatment to follow after the operation.

In most cases a bandage is used after the operation, which ensures that the ears maintain their new position while avoiding contact with any element that impairs recovery. This bandage will be changed to a lighter and more bearable one within a few days. In this way the adult or the child, can rejoin the work activity or school again in approximately a week.