Ear Surgery - Otoplasty - Santa Monica Los Angeles Beverly Hills

You may be a candidate for ear pinning (otoplasty) if you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head. You may also want to have an otoplasty procedure if your ears have an unusual or undesirable shape.

Otoplasty patient shown before surgery with protruding ears.

The goal is to create ears that have normal folds and shape with a normal level protrusion from the side of the head.

Surgery seen from the back of the ear. (a) Incisions are made
and a small portion of skin, sometimes with underlying fat, is
removed. (b) The cartilage is recontoured to bring the ear into
its correct position and supported with sutures. (c) Sutures
close the incisions, leaving a faint scar.

Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The ears are usually bandaged with a head band type dressing for several days. Initial mild postoperative discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The procedure is appropriate beginning at age 5 or 6 or at any time thereafter. The ears usually look "normal" within 10-20 days. Usually, a head band is worn 2-3 weeks to protect the ears. Contact sports should be avoided for about a month.

Surgery seen from the front of the ear. Reshaped cartilage restores
the ear fold, making the ear lie flatter against the head.

Any facial procedure that is desired or appropriate would enhance the result.

The postoperative patient with ears that are normal in appearance.

This procedure is considered to be cosmetic and so is usually not covered by insurance. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

For more information about ear pinning:

• Link to Otoplasty information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Link to Ear Pinning before and after photos
• Contact us for additional information or a personal consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum