EAR ENHANCEMENT (OTOPLASTY)

If you think your ears are too big, you may be mistaken because they may simply be sticking out. This is better known as "prominent or protruding ears" and in severe cases as "children's dumbo ears". The immense psychological benefits that you derive from corrective surgery are a great example of how plastic surgery can have an impact on your life. This is especially true for children since they are easy targets, often subjected to teasing, joking and derogatory nicknames. In children the surgery is performed around age five prior to entering school so that the potential psychological trauma is avoided. In adults it can be performed at any time, but the sooner the better.

Procedure--

Although there are many different approaches the one that I use involves reshaping and removing some of the cartilage through an incision concealed behind the ear. A new ear fold is created and this pulls back the ear against the head. One must be careful not to overcorrect as this will result in ears that are pinned flatly against the head. The resulting scar is hidden in a natural skin fold behind the ear and fades with time and it is almost invisible. The procedure takes about one hour and can be performed in adults under local anesthesia. After surgery the ears are covered with a bulky dressing to prevent fluid accumulation and maintain the new position of the ears. Most patients are up and around in a day but strenuous activities and contact sports must be avoided for six weeks. This procedure offers dramatic results usually lasting a lifetime.