Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) – Surgery for prominent Ears

Protruding or exceptionally large ears can make anyone feel insecure or embarrassed about his or her appearance. Protruding ears may also prevent wearing caps, helmets and protective headgear in certain occupations. Women may feel self-conscious about either or both ears so that they never feel comfortable wearing their hair behind their ears or up in a ponytail or bun.

Otoplasty is very effective in restoring the normal proportions of the ears and in restoring a sense of balance to the head and face in general. Please feel free to CONTACT US if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment to see Dr Konrat.

Otoplasty is performed through an incision which is hidden on the posterior surface of the ear, and involves placing permanent sutures in the cartilage to produce a natural-appearing fold. The ear cartilage may also be anchored closer to the head with permanent sutures, and in a few patients some cartilage may be removed. Patients wear a protective head dressing for one week postoperatively, and they must not participate in sports where their ears may be bumped or bruised or pulled for eight weeks following otoplasty surgery.

In most cases, the ear cartilage folds as it develops, which allows the ear to rest relatively close to the scalp. When this fold does not form (or does not fully form) the ears protrude away from the scalp, creating prominent ears. This may occur bilaterally or on one side only. By age 6, the ear has reached approximately 85% of its adult size and at this age or after is an appropriate time for otoplasty surgery. It is also an age at which teasing about the size and prominence of a child's ear(s) is likely to begin, which is further impetus for having the surgery performed.