Otoplasty 1

Setback otoplasty is usually performed at age 5 or 6 when the child’s ear is 90% of normal size and he/she is beginning to get teased at school. However, some patients slip through the net. The operation is harder in adults because of the greater strength of the cartilage framework. Usually there is a lack of one of the normal folds of the ear (lateral crus of the ante-helical fold) together with an enlarged ‘bowl’ portion. The operation is performed under local anesthesia in adults as in the case of this 27 year old woman.

Outstanding, or ‘bat’ ears may be avoided in infancy by taping the ears back. Later on this is ineffective.