Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery is a procedure to change the shape, position or size of the ears. You might choose to have otoplasty if you’re bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head. You might also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are misshapen due to an injury or birth defect. While scars are permanent, they’ll likely be hidden behind your ears or within the creases of your ears. Sometimes the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only part of your body. In other cases, general anesthesia which renders you unconscious may be given before your procedure. After making incisions, your doctor might remove excess cartilage and skin. then the cartilage is fold into the proper position and secured it with internal stitches.

Surgery is currently the only technique known to adequately and permanently correct prominent ears. During the consultation with your surgeon the specifics of the custom procedure planned will be discussed in detail. Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis for both adults and children. For children, otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Adults may choose between local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Pain after otoplasty is typically minimal, although the patient will be provided with pain medication if desired.

Bruising is also usually minimal and should fade completely, or nearly so, by two weeks post-op. Also, people who wear glasses should not rest them on their ears for at least two weeks. Complete otoplasty recovery can take up to six weeks and during that time, you can gradually start to resume your normal activities. Otoplasty can help the patients’ confidence as pinned back ears can leave the focus on the face instead of on the ears. The satisfaction of this surgery is greatly high. Consulting a Board Certified Surgeon may help to see your options.