“You have beautiful ears,” is not something very many people will ever hear. But if ears are malpositioned, or unusual looking, they can draw unwanted attention. Ears usually go unnoticed but protruding ears detract significantly from one’s appearance. You probably remember the kid in grade school with big ears and the names he or she may have been called. Even years later, the embarrassment of ‘funny looking ears’ can haunt even the most resilient adults.

Ear reshaping and repositioning (otoplasty) is the procedure to modify the appearance and position of the external ear. Ideally this is performed during childhood, before emotional scars develop, but it’s never too late, even for adults.

Dr. Donn Chatham advises his patients that by improving position or prominent ears, otoplasty can make a huge improvement in confidence and happiness for that patient. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Donn Chatham can expertly reshape and reposition the ears of children and adults. If you are interested in ear reshaping or repositioning, contact our offices today.

Are You A Candidate For Ear Reshaping and Repositioning?

Otoplasty is most often performed on children. While large or protruding ears in children do not affect hearing, children are often self-conscious, and they may be teased by others including, sadly, adults.

Adults can also benefit from changing the size, shape, and contour of their external ear. The cause of large or protruding ears is usually due to malposition, or the way the cartilage is shaped.

Patients may also benefit from ear surgery if they suffered an injury or have a defect of the ear structure.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

Otoplasty is typically performed in an outpatient surgical facility for both children and adults. For children, ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia, whereas adults may be given local anesthesia. The incision for otoplasty is placed on the posterior or back of the ear to reposition and remove excess cartilage by using carefully placed sutures. Dr. Chatham strives to perform a gentle and comfortable procedure to make sure children and patients are completely at ease before, during, and after the procedure.

What Is The Recovery Process For Otoplasty?

After the surgery, protective dressing is applied for one day. Patients may be advised to wear a headband for a period of time. The headband helps to protect the ears from abrupt changes in position during the early healing period. Normal activity can be resumed in about two weeks, however contact sports are to be avoided for at least six weeks.

Initially there is tenderness, but pain is not pronounced. Mild swelling may be present along with possibly a little temporary bruising.

Over the next few months, there sometimes can be a slight “rebound” as the elastic memory of the cartilage of the ears sometimes may slightly reposition itself. If this should become noticeable later, we typically recommend an additional suture behind the ear. This will be performed as an office procedure.

What Results Can I Expect After Otoplasty?

An optimal and natural-looking result is always Dr. Chatham’s goal. The goal is natural, avoiding both sharp edges and an over-corrected flat appearance. Nor does he want to remove part of the ear so that they look ‘different.’ Before ear surgery, many patients of both genders will style hair in ways that hide one’s ears. A newfound sense of confidence often ensues, and the effect is improved confidence. Many adults (and young people, too) enjoy the ability to wear their hair anyway they wish to following their procedure.

Why A Facial Plastic Surgeon?

Ear reshaping and repositioning surgery requires specialized surgical expertise and should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Donn Chatham, Medical Director of Chatham Facial Surgery is a double board-certified surgeon.