Ear surgery (otoplasty) is usually performed to bring prominent or forward-facing ears closer to the head, to reduce the size of large ears, or to make uneven ears "match." It's usually done for children from four to 14 years old, but ear surgery can also be done for adults. The surgery takes 2–3 hours, and can be done for one or both ears.
The technique used for ear surgery will depend in part on the configuration of the patient's ears. However, it will most likely require an incision on the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage can then be sculpted so that it will bend the ear back toward the head. In another technique, the cartilage and skin are revised so that the remaining ear will be smaller.
In most ear surgeries, there will be a faint scar in the back of the ear; this will fade with time. The procedure is very gratifying for a child, teenager, or adult who has been living with large or protruding ears. Dr. Arrington can tell you more about otoplasty for your or your child in a private consultation. Contact Atlantic Plastic Surgery to set up an initial appointment.