Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to alter the shape, position and proportion of the ear. This surgery may be needed to correct a congenital defect, injury or trauma to the ear. It may also be used to simply change the shape of your ear if you are unhappy with it.
The most popular type of surgery is ear pinning. This changes the shape of the ears and brings them closer to the head. Children require general anesthesia while adults can usually complete the procedure with just a sedative and local anesthesia. An incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage scoring technique requires the surgeon to make an incision into the cartilage in order to reshape the ear. The cartilage sparing technique uses only stiches to change the ear shape and position. Regardless of the type of ear pinning performed, once the shape is achieved the ear is then repositioned so it sits closer to the head and the incision is closed with stitches. This surgery usually only takes one to two hours.
Microtia is a congenital defect that leads to small and underdeveloped ears. Children with this defect as well as anyone whose ears were burned or injured can be treated with reconstructive ear surgery. This procedure involves taking cartilage from the ribs and skin from the upper buttock area to build up the ear.
Ear reduction surgery is performed if the patient is unhappy with the size or shape of their ears. A cut is made into the cartilage and the ear is then resized and reshaped. Ear pinning is usually performed at the same time as reduction surgery.
If you would like more information about ear surgery, contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule an appointment.