What Is Ear Surgery Really Like?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, can offer patients an opportunity to reshape, resize, and reposition their ears in a way that is more desirable. Those who feel their ears are too big, misshapen, or too prominent can be very self-conscious about their appearance. Ear surgery can correct these issues and help patients to become more comfortable with the way their ears look. Learn more about the ear surgery procedure and consultation process to help you decide if you can benefit from it.

Ear Surgery Addresses Many Ear Issues

An ear surgery can be customized to correct a wide range of complaints about the ear, from deformities to imbalance. Most of these problems relate to the size, shape, or protrusion of the ear. Some of the issues resolved with ear surgery include:

• Cup ear. This condition results when the conchal bowl of cartilage overdevelops, causing the ear to appear wide or enlarged like a cup.
• Lop ear. This condition is caused by an anti-helical fold that fails to develop, creating a portion of the conchal ear that is misshapen, malformed, or out of proportion with the rest of the ear.
• Cup and lop. Some patients see cup ear and lop ear occurring together, which can create overly prominent ears that detract from the rest of their appearance.
• Protruding ears. For some, the ears may appear to stick straight out from the head, sometimes referred to as bat wings or elephant ears. They are often the subject of teasing and can create self-image issues.

Ear surgery can address each of these concerns individually or all at once, based on the characteristics of each patient’s ears. Reshaping, resizing, or pinning back the ears can do much to resolve the problems these patients may be experiencing. Talk to your plastic surgeon to design a strategy that best addresses your unique concerns about your ears.

Understanding the Ear Surgery Procedure

Otoplasty surgery or ear surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthetic and IV sedation can be used under the right circumstances. On average, the procedure will last about one hour per ear, although more extensive changes will take longer to achieve. Your plastic surgeon will give you a clearer surgical timing based on your own procedural needs.

Incisions will be carefully placed in the natural folds of your skin behind the ears to remain hidden after recovery. The cartilage of the ear is manually reshaped by your plastic surgeon, with removals or additions made as needed. Protruding ears can then be pinned back with permanent suture into a more natural looking angle. Because every ear surgery is so very different, your plastic surgeon is best equipped to tell you the specifics of your own procedure.

Recovering From Ear Surgery

Ear surgery is not a high-risk procedure but patients should still prepare themselves for any potentially negative side effects. Most patients should expect to have mild to moderate pain and discomfort, swelling around the ears, and fatigue or nausea from the anesthesia. Other complications can occur, such as infection, excessive bleeding, numbness or tingling in the area, and disappointing results. While these complications are very rare, knowing what to look for can help you prevent further issues. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your risk factors and personal concerns so you know exactly what to expect from your own ear surgery.

Learn More About Ear Surgery Today

Find out more about how ear surgery can benefit you today. To discuss your eligibility for this procedure, meet with a plastic surgeon experienced in facial surgeries to get your very best results. Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. provides his patients with years of experience and knowledge during one-on-one consultations regarding the surgeries and nonsurgical treatments available at his practice. Dr. Weniger is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He believes good information lies at the heart of success in all of his surgeries and interactions with patients.

To schedule a consultation for any aesthetic service or other procedures, contact the office of Weniger Plastic Surgery today at (843) 757-0123. The practice is located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Bluffton, South Carolina.