Question 1

What is an Otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, patients seek otoplasty treatment when their ears aren’t correctly proportioned to their face. This corrective procedure is also a popular option for individuals who have experienced severe accidents, traumas, or birth defects. In lieu of ear stretchers or other semi-effective solutions, people turn to ear surgery to achieve their desired aesthetic results.

Question 2

Why Have an Otoplasty?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of reasons why adults and children choose otoplasty surgery. Among the most common reasons are earlobe size reduction and injury recovery. However, ear pinning  is popular for patients who have any of the following concerns: 
Asymmetric ears, Protruding ears, Sagging earlobes, Large ears, Lack of ear folds or grooves, Misshaped ears, Stretched out earlobes from piercings, Damaged ears from injury or trauma.

Question 3

What Causes Prominent Ears?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly, prominent ears are caused by genetics, injury, and non-life-threatening health conditions. While these factors don’t impact the function of your ear, they may alter your overall self-confidence.

Question 4

Types of Otoplasty Face Procedures

Accepted Answer

Splinting:
This treatment option aims to support the ear’s correct position over time. With a splint, the outer ear cartilage will properly form and harden. 
Length of procedure: May take weeks or months to complete
Ideal candidate: Babies younger than six months
Adults who want to correct their misshaped ears may have traditional or nonsurgical otoplasty surgery.

Traditional Otoplasty:
Your surgeon will make a small incision behind the ear to address your cosmetic goals and enhance your facial features. Ear reconstruction is done using local anesthetic for adults and general anesthetic for children. Traditional otoplasty may also consist of cartilage removal, stitches, and a small scar that will likely fade with time. 
Length of procedure: May take one to two hours to complete
Ideal candidate: Healthy kids and adults

Non-Surgical Otoplasty:
With this procedure, cosmetic surgeons will increase cartilage flexibility with a needle and implement stitches to correct the ear. This option is popular due to the faster recovery time and decreased likelihood of complications. 
Length of procedure: Up to one hour
Ideal candidate: Kids and adults who don’t need cartilage removed from the concha

Tag: otoplasty guide

Otoplasty Surgery Guide: All About Ear Pinning and Reshaping

Dr. Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD, PC

Contact Dr. Mazaheri