Ear Surgery
Are you bothered by the shape, size, or position of your ears? Do prominent or protruding ears cause you embarrassment? A cosmetic surgery procedure can help correct your ears if they stand out too much. Read on to learn more about ear surgery and how it can help improve your appearance and self-confidence.
What is ear surgery called?
Cosmetic ear surgery is called otoplasty. It is a surgical procedure that is performed to change the shape, size, or position of the external ears. Ear reshaping surgery or otoplasty is usually performed by plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons. It can help reduce embarrassment and improve self esteem in people who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears.
Why would you need otoplasty?
Some people choose to have otoplasty because they're bothered by the prominence of their ears, i.e., how far their ears stick out from the head. An angle of 20-30 degrees between the ear and the side of the head is generally considered attractive. When the angle is more than 30 degrees, the ears appear to protrude excessively. This can occur due to genetics, an injury that affects the shape of the ears, or a health condition that affects ear cartilage growth. However, prominent ears do not usually affect the function of the ears or cause hearing loss.
Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?
You are a candidate for otoplasty if you have prominent ears that stick out too far. The surgeon can also address problems like ears that are too large in proportion to the head or lop ear (where the top of the ear is folded over or wrinkled). Otoplasty is sometimes offered to patients who are dissatisfied with a previous cosmetic ear surgery.
Otoplasty may also be recommended as a treatment option to someone who has misshapen ears due to an injury or birth defect.
Otoplasty is usually done on both sides for the sake of symmetry. The surgery does not change the position of the ears or alter the hearing mechanism in any way.
What is a good age to have this procedure?
Cosmetic ear surgery is done after the ears have reached a full, mature size, which is usually after age 4 or 5 in children. It can be done at anytime as an adult. Sometimes, surgeons perform ear surgery in a younger child, as early as age 3, to correct congenital (birth) defects.
What to expect during ear surgery?
Before the surgery
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine your ears and review your history for any medical conditions. This is necessary to ensure the surgery can be performed safely without complications. The doctor will take photos of your ears to document their placement, size, shape, and symmetry before the surgery. An important part of the otoplasty consultation is understanding what the surgery can achieve for you. The plastic surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications and talk to you about what to expect in terms of appearance. They will also discuss other treatment options.
If you are deemed to be a good candidate for the procedure, you will receive instructions about stopping certain medications in preparation for the surgery that can increase the risk of bleeding. Other precautions will include stopping smoking because smoking can slow the healing process. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward and stay with you for a day or two.
During the surgery
Otoplasty can be done with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The techniques vary, depending on the type of correction you need. Surgeons usually make incisions behind the ears or in the creases to camouflage the scars. The procedure typically involves removing excess ear cartilage and skin, folding the tissues into position, and securing them with stitches. The surgery usually takes about 2 hours to perform.
Aftercare and recovery
After the surgery, your ears will be covered in bandages for support and protection. You will be moved from the operation suite to the recovery area. You may experience some discomfort, which can usually be managed with pain medication. The bandages will come off a few days after the otoplasty. Some stitches dissolve on their own while others need to be taken out in the office. Your ears may be red and swollen at this time.
Precautions
You will be advised to avoid sleeping on your sides to keep pressure off the ears. The plastic surgeon may advise you to wear a headband to cover your ears at night for protection for up to 6 weeks. It's a good idea to wear loose-fitting shirts or button-down shirts while the ears heal, to avoid excessive force on the incisions while dressing and undressing.
What is the recovery time for ear surgery?
It takes roughly 6 weeks to recover from an otoplasty. However, there is significant improvement in the appearance of the ears in 2-3 weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities after 2 weeks. You may be advised to restrict strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4 weeks.
What are the possible complications?
In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, there's a good chance you will get excellent results from an otoplasty with a low risk of complications. However, like all surgeries, it does carry some risks.
Scarring
The incisions are usually well hidden behind the ears or are placed in the creases of the ear cartilage. Scar tissue is, therefore, not usually visible.
Sensation
Some patients experience temporary changes in skin sensation; rarely, these changes can be permanent.
Stitches
Sometimes, stitches work their way to the surface and need to be removed.
Asymmetry
Occasionally, changes may occur during the healing process, leading to asymmetry. Also, otoplasty may not fully correct existing asymmetry between the left and right ears.
Over-correction
Rarely, an otoplasty procedure may result in over-correction, causing the ears to appear unnaturally pinned back on the head.
What is endoscopic middle ear surgery?
A type of ear surgery called transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is performed to operate on the delicate structures in the middle ear and inner ear. It is a minimally invasive procedure of the ear canal that is used to treat conditions like middle ear infections, hearing loss, and tumors like acoustic neuromas (non-cancerous tumors of the inner ear) which can cause hearing loss or balance problems. Surgeons sometimes use this technique to fix a ruptured eardrum in the inner ear that can result from ear infection, loud sounds, pressure changes during air travel, or head trauma.
Surgeons can use TEES for various other conditions of the middle ear and inner ear. The advantage of this approach is that it avoids the need to make an incision behind the ear or an opening in the skull bone. The surgeon uses an endoscope (a device with a small camera) to visualize the ear canal, tube, and ear bones, and to access the middle ear and inner ear.
Are there any alternatives to otoplasty?
If a baby is born with misshapen ears or prominent ears, splinting or ear molding can sometimes help correct the problem if it is started immediately following birth.
How much does otoplasty cost?
The average cost of an otoplasty procedure is $3,500. The cost of the surgery can vary depending on the extent of correction necessary, your geographical location, and the expertise of your cosmetic surgeon.
Does insurance cover ear surgery?
When it is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely that health insurance will cover the cost of ear surgery. However, insurance may cover reconstructive surgery on the ears after traumatic injuries or in children born with a birth defect.
Choosing a provider for otoplasty
A key factor that will determine the success of your otoplasty procedure is choosing an experienced surgeon. If you live in the United States, it is recommended that you choose a board certified surgeon who is registered with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Elsewhere around the world, it is important to choose providers who have extensive experience with this type of cosmetic surgery. The MeTime app makes it easy to find aesthetic providers near you. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. To find out if otoplasty ear surgery is right for you, try the MeTime app today!
