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Ear Plastic Surgery (Otoplasty) - Overview

In general, ears are not the center of most people’s attention. How often have you heard someone say: You know, he's got the nicest ears I've ever seen. In fact, ears for the most part, should not be noticed. Most people could not draw an accurate ear from memory if their life depended on it. I think this is the point regarding ear plastic surgery. Ears are not meant to be noticed.
Ear Plastic Surgery
Before & After

If they are noticed it is usually because there is something different about them; there is something about the ear that is unusual and brings one's attention to it. Commonly, this is because the ear is protruding outwards. Normally, these ears are not bigger than normal. It is just that instead of staying close to the scalp, they bend outward.

This problem is more common in men than women and seems to be associated more with English descent. Many people with this problem do not care too much. Some people think it adds character. This is a healthy way to think about it. If, however, it does bother you, there are plastic surgery options that are very effective at correcting the problem.

The problem starts at birth and is due to a congenital lack of curvature of the cartilage within the ear. Normally, the ear cartilage bends backward toward the scalp, but in people with protruding ears this curvature never occurs and the ear remains protruding outward. If noticed within 6 weeks of birth, it is possible to reshape the cartilage by just molding it into proper position without surgery. In fact, this is often done with certain breeds of dogs.

After 6 weeks, however, the cartilage becomes too firm and is no longer amenable to non surgical readjustment. At this point, it is best to wait until the age of 4, at which time the ear has grown to about 85 per cent of its adult size, before considering surgery. Of course, after 4 years of age it can be done at any time and is commonly performed during the summer months when children are out of school.

Correction of this failure of cartilage curvature requires surgically removing skin and applying sutures strategically to re-create this bending of the cartilage.

Often, there is too much cartilage and some of it must be removed. In the vast majority of Dr. Cruise's cases, the incision is located completely behind the ear.

ear surgery
Example of protruding ear primarily because of excess ear cartilage.
Once it heals, it is virtually unnoticeable for two reasons. One, this area behind the ear heals exceptionally well with little scar tissue; and, two, the location of the incision is hidden.
Ear Plastic Surgery
ear surgery
This patient's protruding ear is caused by both an excess of cartilage as well as failure of the ear to curve backward. Both problems must be corrected to obtain the optimal result.

A completely different type of problem is the underdeveloped ear or one that has never developed at all. These two types of problems are called microtia and  “anotia” respectively. These are much more difficult problems and may very well be associated with other congenital problems.

The nice thing about correcting protruding ears is that the ear is easy to numb with lidocaine. This allows correction to be done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia, however, may not be possible with children under 10 years of age or children who can not sit still well. It depends on the child. This is something that must be discussed during consultation.

ear plastic surgery

Typical incision site. The incision is located behind the ear. This area heals exceptionally well and is well hidden allowing the incision to be virtually unnoticeable.

Ear Surgery Next >>
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Quick Links to Ear Surgery Procedure
  1. Overview
  2. Are you a good candidate?
  3. Benefits
  4. Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding Ear Surgery
  5. Prior to surgery
  1. Anesthesia
  2. After the procedure
  3. Recovery time
  4. Possible complications
  5. Ear Surgery Before and Afters

 


Joseph T. Cruise, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-644-4808
contact-us@orangecountycosmeticsurgery.com


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