Procedures
Ear Surgery
What to Expect
- Anesthesia: Local or general
- Length of surgery: 2 hours
- Outpatient/inpatient: Outpatient
- Adjunct procedures: Rhinoplasty
- Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks
OTOPLASTY (Ear Surgery)
Although the ears are not a centrally located feature, they can still significantly affect how the face is framed. Ears that stick out from the head or that are overly large can have a profound impact on a person’s appearance and confidence. This impact can be detrimental at any age, but especially for teenagers who are still developing their sense of self.
With ear surgery, the board-certified plastic surgeons of Edina Plastic Surgery can effectively improve the look of ears affected by excessive protrusion, an enlarged appearance or other concerns. Please contact Edina Plastic Surgery today to arrange a private consultation.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, sometimes referred to as ear pinning, brings the ears closer to the head if they protrude excessively. This procedure is quick and convenient, with rapid recovery and minimal downtime. Our surgeons also perform revisions of previously done otoplasty surgeries that did not produce the desired results.
Though this is the most common ear surgery performed at Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons can address a variety of other congenital and injury-related abnormalities that affect the appearance of the outer ear. Cosmetic ear surgery does not affect hearing.
Deciding If Otoplasty Is Right for You or Your Teen
Correction of prominent ears can be performed on patients ages 17 and older. Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries regularly performed on teenagers and younger adults. This is because large or protruding ears can be evident at a very early age. Teens with these concerns can struggle with embarrassment, poor self-image and low self-esteem. They may also be subject to teasing or bullying that leads to introversion, anxiety or depression. Deciding whether to proceed with an elective procedure for your teenager isn’t easy. Our surgeons will guide you and your teen through the decision-making process and help you make an informed choice.
No age is exempt from the psychological effects that can be caused by prominent ears. If you’re an adult bothered by the shape, size or projection of your ears, otoplasty may benefit you.
How to Prepare for Otoplasty
Every Edina otoplasty patient starts with a comprehensive consultation to assess the best path forward. If the patient is under 18 years old, parents or other caregivers are naturally invited to be present.
In this initial appointment, the surgeon examines the patient’s anatomy, reviews relevant medical history and discusses the goals of the procedure. Viewing before and after photos of prior client outcomes is a great way to ensure the patient and surgeon are on the same page regarding the desired aesthetic outcome.
Our surgeons pride themselves on providing in-depth patient education so you can make informed and confident decisions about surgery for yourself or your teen. Special attention is paid to making sure young patients feel comfortable and understand the surgery at an age-appropriate level.
The Otoplasty Procedure
Ear surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning no overnight stay is required. The operation is performed under a general or local anesthetic, depending on the type of otoplasty needed. An incision is typically made behind the ear, and the cartilage is reshaped and sometimes partially removed.
In cases where the ears are a proportionate size but simply need to be repositioned closer to the head, cartilage removal may not be necessary. The incision behind the ear is sutured closed using a technique that holds the ear back in a more aesthetically pleasing position.
In cases where the ears require resizing, a longer incision is made to expose the cartilage. The cartilage can then be sculpted to the desired size and shape and then repositioned closer to the head. Great care is taken to maximize ear symmetry.
What to Expect During Otoplasty Recovery
Ear surgery recovery is generally swift and manageable, thanks to the relative simplicity of the procedures and our plastic surgeons’ careful surgical technique. Most patients experience minimal pain and discomfort. Any aching or throbbing felt during the early stages of healing can be managed with oral pain medication.
Dressings are worn for one to two days after surgery. When the dressings are removed, a band is worn at night for a few weeks to reduce fluid build-up and protect the ears. There may be swelling and bruising for one to two weeks. Most normal activities can be resumed after a few days. To ensure the ears are disturbed as little as possible, patients are advised to sleep on their back with their head slightly elevated and limit vigorous physical activities for at least two weeks.
While recovering, it’s important to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This ensures the body has the energy and nutrients needed for proper healing. Patients who smoke are advised to abstain for at least six weeks before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of healing and anesthetic complications.
Adults can generally resume a regular work schedule after a few days, while teens can usually return to school within a week or two. Parents of teens undergoing otoplasty often choose to have the surgery performed over a vacation or summer break.
Otoplasty Results
Following otoplasty, young patients and older adults alike enjoy a more balanced appearance with ears that better complement their facial structure. Incisions are small and, whenever possible, located on the backs of the ears. This results in well-concealed scars that typically heal flat and without discoloration.
The benefits of this procedure are long-lasting. Though ear protrusion may reoccur in a small percentage of patients, otoplasty results are usually lifelong and have a tremendous positive impact on the patient’s appearance as well as their mental, emotional and social well-being. Ear surgery is a perfect example of how even a small procedure can make a big change in a patient’s life.
At Edina Plastic Surgery, our board-certified physicians devote great attention to crafting results that appear natural and are personalized to the individual. This level of skill and consideration, coupled with an approachable and compassionate bedside manner, make ear surgery a comfortable journey for patients of all ages.
Achieve Facial Balance and Harmony With Ear Surgery in Edina, MN
The best way to determine whether ear surgery is right for you or your teen is to book a consultation with one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery. Contact us online or call us at 952-925-1765 to make your appointment today.
