Is it too late to fix my ears with plastic surgery?
Posted February 18, 2016
S.N. of Bethel Park writes: I am a young woman in my early 20’s and have always hated my ears. I was teased as a child and was told by my parents that it was something I would have to learn to accept about myself. Now that I am an adult I am thinking about plastic surgery for my ears. I recognize it may be too late, but could you possibly give me an alternative to wearing my hair down?
Dear SN: Thank you for your question. Prominent ears are not considered an uncommon condition. An otoplasty or Ear Surgery is an opportunity to enhance a patient’s appearance by changing their ears. A patient may present with large or protruding, irregularly shaped ears or large, stretched earlobes. It is a procedure that can be addressed as early as 4 years of age but can extend to any age. For many patients the problem lies with a weakened fold on the inner ear. The solution is a minor surgical procedure. It requires an incision behind the ear and stitches placed in the cartilage of the ear to sharpen the fold. This sets the ear back towards the head, correcting the winged or prominent appearance. It is done under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. There is mild pain post operatively and minimal swelling or bruising. Patients usually wear a protective wrap for approximately 2 weeks at night and should remain protective of injury around ears for approximately 3 weeks. Patients are usually back to work or school within a week and exercise in 3 weeks.
