Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic surgery designed to reshape the ears. Setback otoplasty, also called “ear pinning,” is the surgical setback of outstanding, protruding, prominent, or bat ears. Setback otoplasty is the most common form of cosmetic ear surgery.
Although bringing protruding ears closer to the head is often the goal of otoplasty, many aesthetic improvements to the ears can be achieved with this cartilage-reshaping surgery.
“My role is to guide—not dictate. I encourage every patient to express their goals and take ownership of their decisions. When patients feel confident in their choices, the results are not only beautiful—they feel authentic, effortless, and entirely their own.”
Many benefits accompany otoplasty surgery, including:
Nowadays, this surgery may be avoided by taping and moulding the child’s ears in infancy. Unfortunately, after six months of age, ear tape treatment is ineffective. Indeed, many children, teens, and even adults still suffer from prominent ears and would like them “corrected.”
Outstanding ears constitute an aesthetic deformity that can produce severe psychological stress on the sufferer. Children are sometimes mercilessly teased at school, and adults often acquire nicknames they would prefer to do without. Otoplasty allows children and adults alike to feel more confident and free from distress about the appearance of their ears.
People with ears that are misshapen, asymmetrical, missing cartilage, oversized, or protruding may be candidates for otoplasty. People who have endured trauma to their ears can also benefit. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your ears or feel they detract from your face, this surgery may be a solution.
Good candidates for otoplasty should be non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations for surgery.
Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that children can undergo. Ear surgery can be performed on any individual so long as they have fully developed ears. This means many children must wait until they are about five to six years old for their ears to mature enough for surgery. At this age, ears are 80% of their adult size. This is also the age when they start school and teasing begins.
To learn if you or your child would make a good candidate for otoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd today by calling (310) 597-4734.
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general or local anesthetic. For children, general anesthesia is usually the typical choice.
The techniques used will be tailored to the patient’s anatomy. Generally, an incision is placed in the groove behind the ear, and two issues are addressed: excess cartilage in the bowl (concha) of the ear, and the lack of a fold behind it (lack of an antihelical fold).
Dr. Brian Boyd is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He is Professor of Surgery at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Boyd employs his robust experience and the latest techniques to provide the best results for his patients. He and his staff are dedicated to ensuring patients have a safe, positive, and comfortable experience. Many of Dr. Boyd’s previous and returning patients have shared their testimonials so prospective patients can see what it’s like to experience care from him and his team.
Patients wear bandages for a week after surgery. After bandages are removed, a tennis headband is worn for four to six weeks at night to protect the ears and hold them in place as they heal.
Teenagers and adults may be candidates for otoplasty. In children, the ears must be fully developed. Often, school-aged children are eligible around ages five to six.
Cosmetic surgery is elective and, therefore, not typically covered by health insurance. In the case of medically necessary surgery, such as functional impairment or pain, insurance might cover the procedure.
You can expect to see dramatic improvements in the ears as soon as the bandages come off. Minor improvements continue to be noticeable as time passes. Most swelling should resolve within three months, and permanent results should then be visible.
Otoplasty incisions do leave small scars behind the ears. However, these scars are unnoticeable and fade with time.
The size, shape, or projection of the ears may change slightly over time. However, the results of otoplasty are, effectively, permanent.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps adults and children to feel more comfortable and confident. If you’d like to discuss your or your child’s options with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, we’re happy to help. We invite you to call (310) 597-4734 or complete our online contact form for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd.
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Before and After Photos - individual results may vary.
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