Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)

This procedure, also known as otoplasty, is an opportunity to enhance the appearance of a patient’s ears by shaping them to bring symmetry to the face overall. A patient may have large or protruding, irregularly shaped ears, or large stretched earlobes for instance.

Ear reshaping involves forming the cartilage, the ‘soft bone’ of the ear, as well as reducing the excess size or pinning back of ears as needed to improve their appearance. Ear reshaping does not affect the hearing of our patients.

Typically patients are younger, therefore treatment can begin once the ear has finished growing. This usually occurs between 4-6 years of age. However, otoplasties can be easily performed on adults as well.

This procedure is also for those who have endured some kind of damage to the ear, helping to reconstruct them to a likeness of their former state with as few post-procedure markings as possible.

It’s good to know what you are in for before going through such a big decision to have an ear reshaping procedure. Here’s a brief preview of what to expect:

An ear surgery, or otoplasty, may take 1-2 hours. It is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Be sure to review any important medical details worth bringing up during consultation. These may be past and present conditions that may or may not involve the ears, like prior ear infections, medications or past surgeries.

Patients usually wear a protective wrap for approximately 2 weeks at night and should remain protective of injury around ears for approximately 3 weeks. Recovery usually takes 1 week and exercise may be resumed in 3 weeks.

To answer all of your questions in a detailed discussion on the procedure and it’s benefit to you or a loved one, schedule your consultation with Dr. Antimarino today.