Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to set back the ear and improve its contour and symmetry, correcting prominent and asymmetric ears. The two most common reasons for large ears are an overdeveloped inner cup (conchal bowl) and an underdeveloped upper fold (superior crus). Both issues can be treated with an otoplasty procedure, allowing the ears to fade into the background.
Otoplasty lasts forever
In short, otoplasty lasts forever, and the results are permanent. When the surgery is performed as early as age five, it creates permanent improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of the ears. Final results are generally visible one to three weeks post-op.
Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and oral sedation in most cases. Dr. Weber recommends performing the procedure under local anesthesia with a small amount of oral sedation medication for teens and adults. However, for children under the age of 12, a trip to the surgery center can create the most comfortable and safe experience for your child.
After anesthesia, the following steps are used to perform the procedure:
- A tiny incision is made along the backside of the ear
- Sutures are used to reshape the ear cartilage and set the prominent part of the ear closer to the head
- Cartilage is scored or selectively weakened to reshape the ear
- The incision is closed with dissolving sutures
- Dressings are placed over the incision
- An elastic compression garment holds the bandages in place and reduces swelling
Otoplasty results can be improved
Dr. Weber performs revision otoplasty for many patients each year, improving upon a less-than-optimal result created elsewhere. Patients may require a second otoplasty procedure when:
- The previous surgeon didn’t completely address your areas of concern
- There are negative consequences of improper healing
- The ears have re-projected due to inadequate removal of tension during your initial surgery
- The projection of the ears has been undercorrected or overcorrected, resulting in an unnatural look
- Asymmetry was either created with your surgery or was not adequately addressed during your procedure
Before choosing revision otoplasty, you must wait until your initial surgery is completely healed, between three months to one year.
It is also possible to operate on only one ear if the other ear has an average size and shape, matching the prominent ear with the smaller, less distracting ear. However, in most cases, surgery is required on both ears to achieve optimal results.
Otoplasty can be performed on adults
About half of Dr. Weber’s otoplasty patients are adults who finally have the time and disposable income to choose to undergo otoplasty. This is a great opportunity to help patients who have been uncomfortable with the size, shape, and symmetry of their ears their entire life.
Otoplasty surgery is the same for adults and children, as are the goals for symmetrical, shapely, and less noticeable ears. It can be performed to address the following concerns:
- Protruding ears
- Overly large ears
- Deformed ears
- Pointy ears
- Cleft earlobes
- Sagging earlobes
- Ear injuries and trauma
- Folded ears
- Cupped ears
- Cauliflower ears
- Asymmetrical ears
- Enlarged earlobes
- Missing ears
- Shell ear
- Lop ear
Dr. Weber strives to perform otoplasty that lasts forever
Dr. Weber is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and is highly regarded as one of the top Facial Plastic Surgeons in the United States. His educational background includes a five-year Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery residency at Oregon Health and Science University and a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Weber is a wonderfully compassionate presence in the office, giving comfort and confidence to otoplasty patients of all ages and backgrounds. Ever passionate about helping those in need, Dr. Weber regularly travels the globe participating in humanitarian efforts that match plastic surgeons with the neediest populations. His education and experience allow him to master innovative techniques, creating long-lasting otoplasty results.