top of page

EAR SURGERY

What is ear surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, ear reshaping, or ear pinning, can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by this surgery. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by an injury.

​

Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-confidence, especially in children and teenagers. You may consider otoplasty if protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you have overly large ears – a condition called macrotia or you are an adult dissatisfied with previous ear surgery.

“Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”

Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?

Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections, generally 5 years old, or when a child's ear cartilage is stable enough for correction; cooperative and follow instructions well and able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed.

​

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing, non-smokers or those who stop smoking recently, and individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery.

What should I expect during a consultation for ear surgery?

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for ear surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, previous surgeries, and why you want the procedure, your expectations, and desired outcome.

​

Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, evaluate the shape, size, and placement of your ears to determine what sort of changes may be possible, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.

​

The success and safety of your ear surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.

How should I prepare for ear surgery?

In preparing for ear surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

​

The surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and you will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

​

Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable and safe as possible.

What are the steps of ear surgery?

Step 1 – Anaesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – Surgical procedure

Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, permanent sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

External stitches close the incision. Techniques are individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural "pinned back" appearance.

Step 4 – See the results

Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed.

What should I expect during my ear surgery recovery?

After your ear surgery, bandages or dressings will be applied to keep your surgical site clean, protect it from trauma, and support the new position of the ear during initial healing. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require secondary surgery.

​

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.

​

The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, sunlight or tanning bed light, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area. Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 4-7 days.  In two weeks, your final results will be visible, though small changes to the ears can occur for up to twelve months. However, you must realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

What results should I expect after my ear surgery?

Ear surgery offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during the initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear.

​

Results from otoplasty are typically life-long, barring any incidents which impact the shape or proportion of the ears. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time.

bottom of page