Ear repositioning, also known as otoplasty, is performed to place ears back that protrude or appear too prominently. Subtle changes to ear shape and position can provide dramatic results. Otoplasty can be safely performed on adults or children as young as 6 years old. Dr. Zimbler’s extensive training in plastic surgery and ear, nose, and throat medicine make him a true expert in otoplasty surgery. If you are considering ear repositioning, Dr. Zimbler can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results in 1 simple ear shaping procedure.
Is ear shaping / otoplasty right for me?
Otoplasty can help reshape your ears and reduce the size and appearance of overly prominent ears. Ear shaping can treat ears that are malformed as a result of excess cartilage, not enough cartilage, and trauma. Outer ears that have not fully formed or not formed at all can also be addressed through otoplasty. Ear shaping surgery is right for you if you want to improve malformed ears, protruding ears, underdeveloped ears, or the overall appearance of your ear.
Ear shaping / otoplasty procedure:
In adults, ear shaping is typically performed with sedation anesthesia or under pure local anesthesia. Incisions are made behind the ears along the natural crease. The cartilage is then reshaped to the desired position. Otoplasty normally lasts between 1-2 hours. In children, ear shaping surgery is performed with general anesthesia for maximum patient comfort. Children as young as 6 can safely undergo ear reshaping as long as the cartilage has matured appropriately. It is not uncommon to see children undergoing otoplasty surgery. Ear shaping is one of the most commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedures for children. Otoplasty for kids can help create an ear that is only partially formed as a result of a birth defect or help shape malformed ears.
Earlobe reshaping can dramatically improve your overall appearance by harmonizing the shape of your ears with your overall facial features. Ear reshaping can reduce ear sagging that comes with age and provide a more youthful-looking appearance. Most otoplasty procedures can be completed within 1 hour at our office, but Dr. Zimbler may need 1 hour or more for more extensive ear reshaping procedures.
Ear shaping / otoplasty recovery time:
Otoplasty recovery is minimal, and most patients only experience a couple of days of downtime to properly recuperate. Incisions are placed behind the ear, which leads to scars that are barely visible. A head wrap is worn for the first 24 hours after surgery, and Dr. Zimbler encourages a head band for the first post-operative week. Sutures can be removed within 1 week of your otoplasty surgery. The head band should thereafter be worn at night for only 5 days.
You may experience minimal discomfort, but if discomfort continues or worsens, Dr. Zimbler can prescribe an oral medication to soothe any pain. After otoplasty, it is common that the ears may tend to ache or experience sensitivity for a period of time following your ear shaping procedure. We advise that strenuous activity like exercising only resume 1 week after surgery if you feel little to no discomfort.
