Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Atlanta, Marietta, and Woodstock, Georgia Ear Pinning

If you have ears that are larger or more protrusive than other people's you may feel embarrassed or even be the source of ridicule. Small children may be subject to others' derision and you may choose ear surgery, or otoplasty, to improve your or your child's quality of life and self-esteem.

What Otoplasty Corrects

Otoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size of your ears or can reposition your ears to lie more closely against your head. Otoplasty can correct:

• Large ears
• Protruding ears
• Unsatisfactory results from previous otoplasty

Whether you are an adult or child, you may feel self-conscious about protruding or large ears, even if you are happy with the rest of your appearance. Many children who suffer from being teased by school mates or even adults are relieved and pleased after undergoing otoplasty, but should be allowed to make their own decisions or provide input into whether or not they receive ear surgery.

A good candidate for otoplasty should:

• Be at least 5 years of age
• Be in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations

Otoplasty Options

The most common otoplasty procedures combine one or more of the following options:

• Reshaping the ear and its folds
• Reducing angle between head and ear
• Reducing ear size

The second of these techniques should not be confused with “pinning” the ears back, though it may be called so casually. In reality, a small portion of the cartilage is removed from behind the ear, and the opposite sides of the incision sutured together with dissolvable and/or permanent stitches. This allows the cusp of the ear to rest closer to the skull without creating an unnaturally pinned look. Folds are also created in the ear so that it appears closer to the head.

When determining what type of ear surgery to undergo, you should discuss your expectations and goals frankly with a board-certified* Atlanta cosmetic surgeon, who can provide you with valuable answers and make recommendations as to which procedure or procedures will best help you achieve your ideal outcome.

If you are in the Marietta, Atlanta, or Woodstock areas of Georgia and would like to learn more about otoplasty or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact our office today for your personalized plastic surgery consultation.