Ear Surgery

Why?​

People might consider otoplasty if they were born with:

• Misshapen ears or ear lobes.
• Protruding ears.
• Small, constricted ears.
• Ears with missing cartilage.

These conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. However, otoplasty is also performed on individuals who have sustained ear injuries or trauma from events such as car accidents, dog bites, or sports-related injuries.

One common injury among boxers, wrestlers, and mixed martial artists is cauliflower ear. If you have permanent damage from cauliflower ear, your surgeon may recommend otoplasty to restore the ear’s appearance and function.

How?

​Otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. To ensure comfort, your healthcare provider will administer anesthesia. This could be general anesthesia, where you are completely asleep, or local anesthesia with sedation, where you are drowsy but able to respond to questions. The specific surgical steps vary depending on the type of otoplasty being performed, but generally include:

1. Making an Incision: This is usually done on the back of the ear or within the natural folds of the ear to minimize visible scarring.
   
2. Adding or Removing Tissue: Depending on the desired outcome, your surgeon may remove excess cartilage or skin, or add tissue to improve ear shape and structure.
   
3. Reshaping the Ear: The ear is then reshaped to achieve the desired contour and position, which may involve folding or sculpting the cartilage.
   
4. Closing the Incision: Finally, the incision is closed with stitches, ensuring that the ear maintains its new shape during the healing process.