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Ear Surgery

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Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a range of procedures that improve the appearance of the ears. These procedures can rebalance your facial features and provide natural-looking results. If you would like to address issues such as prominent ears that project outward, and can lead to teasing, bullying, or lowered self-esteem, ear surgery can help you balance your facial proportions. Many people also seek ear surgery to reconstruct ears that may have been damaged from injuries or address congenital ear deformities such as macrotia and Stahl’s ear.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sherman has decades of experience helping patients transform their appearance for a more youthful, balanced, and radiant look. He has helped many patients improve the appearance of their ears with customizable procedures.

Contact our New York office or call (212) 535-2300 to learn more.

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About Ear Surgery

The human ear is a complex structure composed of cartilage, skin, blood vessels, and several other tissues. Each person’s ears are unique, both in shape and size, however, some may be dissatisfied with their appearance. Otoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures on both children and adults, enhancing not only physical appearance but also emotional well-being.

Dr. Sherman can help you improve and adjust characteristics that you were born with or acquired from injury or trauma. This effective procedure has helped thousands improve their appearance. In 2023, surgeons performed more than 363,900 cosmetic facial procedures to help patients rebalance their facial proportions. ⁽¹⁾ Whether you would like a small adjustment or more comprehensive surgery, Dr. Sherman can tailor your procedure to your specific needs to help you achieve your desired look.

Adult Otoplasty

Although many ear surgeries are performed on children at the age of 5 or 6, adult otoplasty is a cosmetic ear procedure that repositions the ears of adults for a more balanced and proportionate appearance. If you are unhappy with the size or position of your ears, this can lead to self-consciousness or embarrassment. Prominent ears are often caused by genetics, developmental factors, or medical conditions. During the procedure, Dr. Sherman can make incisions along the folds of cartilage in your ears to change their size and proportions for a more even and balanced appearance.

Ear Reduction for Macrotia

If you have oversized ears, Dr. Sherman can also reshape and resize them with ear reduction techniques. During the procedure, Dr. Sherman will make an incision behind your ear or along its natural crease to remove excess cartilage or skin with minimal scarring. He will close the incision with sutures to help your body heal. Depending on your aesthetic goals, Dr. Sherman can mold the cartilage of your ears without breaking it, or he can excise the cartilage for a more comprehensive reduction. ⁽²⁾

Ear Pinback (correction of Prominent Ears)

For many individuals, having prominent or uneven ears can affect self-esteem and social interactions. ⁽³⁾ Ear pinback is a surgical procedure that aims to correct protruding ears by repositioning them closer to your head. Ear pinback surgery can create more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing ear shapes for improved confidence and enhanced symmetry. During the procedure, Dr. Sherman will make an incision behind the ear to allow access to the front of the ear and the cartilage framework. He will place sutures to help the ear heal in its new position, reducing protrusion to help you achieve your desired look.

Stahl’s Ear Correction

Stahl’s ear correction is a procedure that removes a large amount of cartilage in the upper ear for a more balanced appearance. Colloquially known as “Spock’s Ear,” an abnormal third crus can result in bullying or harassment that affects your quality of life. Dr. Sherman can correct it with a thin incision that allows him to remove excess cartilage and reposition the tissues in your ear for a more symmetrical appearance.

Ear Correction After Trauma

Ear surgery can repair and reconstruct ears that have been injured. This type of procedure is crucial for those who experience traumatic ear injuries, which can result from heavy jewelry, gauges, accidents, sports injuries, or other unfortunate incidents. There are numerous motivations for individuals to pursue ear correction after trauma. Besides the evident physical reparation, these procedures can significantly enhance emotional well-being by restoring confidence in one’s appearance.

Ear Surgery Benefits

With ear surgery, you can enjoy several benefits including:

Enhanced Aesthetics: Advanced surgical techniques provide external ear reshaping and pinning, enhancing overall facial aesthetics.
Improved Self-Confidence: Many individuals experience a significant increase in self-esteem post-procedure as they feel more comfortable with their outward appearance.
Surgical Precision: Dr. Sherman uses advanced techniques, yielding long-lasting and permanent results.
Versatility: Otoplasty can be customized based on age and condition—from pediatric cases to adult requests.
Address Trauma or Deformities: This procedure can rectify ear trauma or congenital issues.
Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a week following their surgery.

Candidates & Consultation

Candidates for otoplasty include children and adults who have concerns about their ear shape or positioning. Suitable candidates typically possess the following characteristics:

Healthy individuals without underlying medical concerns
Children aged five years and older or adults with realistic expectations
Non-smokers or those willing to abstain from smoking pre- and post-surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Sherman will discuss your aesthetic goals and perform a physical examination to determine the best approach. He will discuss your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle. Once he has collected the necessary information, he will outline a personalized surgical plan for your aesthetic goals.

Preparation

To prepare for ear surgery, you will need to:

Avoid smoking or nicotine products before and after surgery to promote healing
Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements
Arrange for transportation home with someone you trust after the procedure
Take time off work or school to allow for recovery, depending on your procedure

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you will need to avoid sun exposure and take good care of your skin.

Recovery

Otoplasty recovery involves mild discomfort manageable with prescribed medications. Swelling, bruising, and sensitivity around the ears are common during the first week. It is vital to keep the head elevated to minimize swelling and avoid any pressure on the ears.

Although ear surgery requires minimal downtime, you will need to allow yourself time to rest afterward. Dr. Sherman will discuss a timeframe for your recovery during your consultation. Whether or not you will need to take time off work will depend on your specific treatment plan. After more comprehensive ear surgery, patients often return to school or work within a few days, but it varies depending on individual comfort levels and job requirements.

You will need to avoid any intense exercise or activities that put pressure on your ears. You will also need to take proper care of your incisions. Dr. Sherman will provide specific instructions to help you take care of your body after the treatment.

Results

Final results will continue to emerge as swelling subsides and can take several months for full resolution. Scarring is typically minimal and will remain hidden behind the ear once healed. Many patients enjoy increased confidence after ear surgery and are very satisfied with their new appearance.

Cost of Ear Surgery in New York

Ear surgeries are customizable, so the cost will depend on the specific nature of your treatment plan. We can provide an all-inclusive quote for your procedure during your consultation. Contact our Manhattan office or call (212) 535-2300 to learn more about how Dr. Sherman can transform your ears with ear surgery.

FAQ

How long does ear surgery take?

Procedures typically take one to several hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

How long do results from ear surgery last?

Otoplasty results are designed to be permanent. Once the ears are positioned correctly, they will maintain their new look for a lifetime.

Is ear surgery painful?

Most patients report discomfort rather than significant pain. Any discomfort can typically be controlled with medication.

Will there be visible scars after ear surgery?

Incisions are made in areas that are often hidden behind the ear. Advanced techniques allow for minimal scarring.

Can children undergo ear surgery?

Yes, cosmetic ear surgery is quite common among children, especially if they experience bullying or teasing due to their ear appearance.

What age is best for ear surgery?

Children can have ear surgery as young as age five, but adults of any age may also qualify.

Can ear surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients safely combine ear surgery with other cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty or facelifts.

What causes Stahl’s ear?

Stahl’s ear arises from genetics affecting the development of the ear cartilage during prenatal growth.

References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
Nazarian R, Eshraghi AA. Otoplasty for the Protruded Ear. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2011;25(4):288-294. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1288921
Naumann A. Otoplasty – techniques, characteristics, and risks. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc04. Accessed December 31, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199845/