How is ear surgery performed?.
Ear surgery is typically an outpatient procedure.
In children, the aesthetic plastic surgeon can use splints for contouring because the ear cartilage is soft enough. Otoplasty procedures can be performed on children as young as five to correct large ears that stick out. Children typically go under general anesthesia.
Adults, however, have harder cartilage, and the surgeon must remove or reposition cartilage by making a small incision in the ear. Depending on your anatomy and desired changes, your surgeon may make an incision hidden inside or behind the ear. Adults have the option to use local anesthesia.
What are my ear surgery options?
There are a few methods for ear surgery.
Ear Pinning
Your surgeon can create an incision and use permanent sutures to move your ear to the desired position, or they may scrape the cartilage to contour it to your desired size or shape.
Ear Reshaping
Your surgeon will create an incision behind the ear and remove extra cartilage or soft tissue that makes the ear protrude too much.
Combined Approach
Many times, surgeons use a combination of both techniques to get your desired result.