Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Children whose ears are too large or stick out are generally the subject of ridicule and cruel name calling. This stressful situation can result in low self-esteem, poor academic performance, social dysfunction, and depression. Otoplasty, which is surgical reshaping of the ears, can remedy this condition. The procedure can be performed on both children and adults. If you or your child might benefit from otoplasty, our plastic surgeons at Regional Plastic Surgery Center may be able to help.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty can be performed as soon as the ears have reached full size, which usually occurs around age five or six. The procedure takes about two hours, and either local or general anesthesia is used. During the procedure, an incision is made behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. Depending on the individual patient’s ears, the surgeon can remove excess cartilage, reshape the cartilage, remove any excess skin, and attach permanent stitches to pin the ear to a natural-looking position closer to the head. Additional temporary stitches may be needed to hold the ear in place while it heals. A thin, white scar may remain after healing, but because the incision was placed in the crease of the ear, the scar is usually not visible.