Otoplasty
Otoplasty is a procedure which reshapes the ears and generally “pins back” ears that are too prominent. After an otoplasty, ears that protruded forward generally are placed into a more natural position.
An otoplasty may create a new fold in the ear or reshape other areas of the cartilage. Large ears may also be modified to create a smaller ear and protruding ear lobules may be also repositioned.
An otoplasty reshapes ears; it does not rebuild ears that are small or absent due to birth defects.
Otoplasty FAQs
- Who would benefit from an otoplasty surgery?
- Who is an ideal candidate for otoplasty surgery?
- What qualifications should my surgeon have?
- What are new techniques in otoplasty surgery?
- What can I expect during my consultation for otoplasty surgery?
- What are some of the surgical facts I need to know?
- What are some of the postoperative concerns I might have?
- What are the risks of otoplasty surgery?
- Does insurance cover the cost of otoplasty surgery?
Who would benefit from an otoplasty surgery?
A child or adult who has prominent or excessively large ears. Individuals generally are in reasonably good health and have realistic expectations.
Who is an ideal candidate for otoplasty surgery?
A good candidate has identifiable changes in the ears that create a true prominence. Children as young as five may undergo an otoplasty as ears are nearly adult size by six years of age. Children often benefit from surgery earlier in life if they have prominent ears to avoid being teased by their peers.
What qualifications should my surgeon have?
A surgeon should be familiar with the structure of the ears and perform otoplasty regularly. Dr. Andryk is double board certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has extensive knowledge and surgical skills in ear reshaping, or otoplasty.
What are new techniques in otoplasty surgery?
Reshaping the ears can be performed through a variety of techniques. Many of these surgical techniques have been used with great success for many years and few new ones have recently been developed.
What can I expect during my consultation for otoplasty surgery?
The shape of the ears are evaluated and a discussion of options for reshaping the ears is performed. The ears can be gently be reshaped during the consultation to provide a suggested post operative appearance. In addition, computer imaging may used to provide an altered and desired appearance of the ears.
What are some of the surgical facts I need to know?
A majority of the otoplastys performed:
- have IV sedation
- are day surgery
- retain a natural shape to the ear
- have hidden incisions
What are some of the postoperative concerns I might have?
A majority of patients undergoing otoplasty:
- will head wrap for 2-3 days postoperatively
- will wear a head band for several weeks to continue to protect the ears
- will experience soreness of their ears for the first few days
- will see the new shape of their ears quickly after surgery
What are the risks of otoplasty surgery?
Risks include infection, asymmetry, need for revision, and abnormal scarring.
Does insurance cover the cost of otoplasty surgery?
Despite the fact that otoplasty is often performed because of sensitivity to the appearance and prominence of one’s ears, insurance rarely covers the procedure.
