Otoplasty

Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, is a procedure that is performed to correct structural abnormalities of the ears. The goal of otoplasty is to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the ears, which can greatly enhance a person’s self-confidence. It’s important to note that otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and does not have any impact on a person’s ability to hear sounds. The surgery focuses solely on improving the external appearance of the ears.

Why do people get otoplasty?

Individuals may choose to undergo otoplasty if they have certain congenital conditions or acquired injuries affecting their ears. These include:

Misshapen ears or ear lobes: Some individuals may have ears that are abnormally shaped or have irregular ear lobes.

Protruding ears: This refers to ears that stick out prominently from the head, creating a noticeable aesthetic imbalance.

Small, constricted ears: Some people may have ears that are smaller in size or have a constricted appearance.

Ears with missing cartilage: In rare cases, individuals may be born with ears that have insufficient or missing cartilage, leading to deformities.

Additionally, otoplasty may be performed on individuals who have suffered ear injuries or trauma, such as those resulting from car accidents, dog bites, or sports-related incidents. One common condition that may require otoplasty is cauliflower ear, which often affects individuals involved in boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts and can lead to permanent damage and deformity.

What are the different types of otoplasty?

There are different types of otoplasty procedures that can be performed, depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient. These include:

Ear pinning 

This procedure is recommended for individuals who have prominent or protruding ears. The goal is to bring the ears closer to the sides of the head, creating a more balanced and natural appearance. It involves reshaping the cartilage and suturing it into a new position.

Ear reduction

This type of otoplasty is performed on individuals with large or oversized ears. The surgeon removes excess tissue to reduce the size of the ears and create a more proportionate look.

Ear augmentation (otoplasty)

Ear augmentation is performed to address issues such as misshapen ears, small ears, or underdeveloped ears (microtia). The procedure involves increasing the size or enhancing the outer portion of the ear. This may be achieved through the use of cartilage or tissue grafting to reshape and augment the ear.

Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day of the surgery.

Before the procedure, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort during the surgery. This can be either general anesthesia, where you will be completely asleep, or local anesthesia with sedation, where you will be in a sleepy state but still able to respond to questions.

The specific surgical steps involved in otoplasty may vary depending on the type of procedure being performed. However, the general steps typically include:

Making an incision: The surgeon will make an incision, usually behind the ear or within the natural folds of the ear, to access the underlying structures.

Adding or removing tissue: The surgeon may add or remove tissue, such as cartilage or skin, to reshape the ear and achieve the desired outcome.

Reshaping the ear: The surgeon will reshape the cartilage and reposition it to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Closing the incision: Once the desired changes have been made, the incisions are carefully closed using sutures.

After the procedure, you will be given post-operative instructions for care and recovery. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results.