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Cosmetic ear surgery

Definition

Cosmetic ear surgery is a procedure to move very large or prominent ears closer to the head.

Alternative Names

Otoplasty; Ear surgery - cosmetic

Description

Cosmetic ear surgery may be done in the surgeon's office, an outpatient clinic, or a hospital. It can be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the ears, or general anesthesia, which will cause you to sleep through the entire operation. The procedure usually lasts about 2 hours.

During the most common method of cosmetic ear surgery, a surgeon makes a cut in the back of the ear and removes the skin to see the ear cartilage. The cartilage is folded to reshape the ear, bringing it closer to the head. Sometimes the surgeon will cut the cartilage before folding it. Stitches are used to close the wound.

Risks

Complications such as blood clots and infection are uncommon.

Other risks of the procedure include:

  • Keloids and hypertrophic scars
  • Areas of numbness
  • Increased susceptibility to cold
  • Unsatisfactory results
Review Date: 10/15/2009
Reviewed By: David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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