Patients Seeking Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Submitted by Daniel A. Sterling, MD

Otoplasty is commonly referred to as ear surgery. Patients seeking otoplasty usually have significantly prominent ears.  The ideal time for correction of this deformity is somewhere in the 5 to 7 year-old age range due to the malleability of the cartilage. This does not mean that it is not possible in adults, however, as we age the cartilage becomes somewhat more brittle and has much more memory. The only difference being is that there is a higher rate of revision in adults and usually these revisions are minor.  So, certainly 40 years old is not too old for an otoplasty.

From Left to Right: Illustration 1: Ears that appear to stick out or are overly large can be helped by ear surgery. Illustrations 2:  An incision is made in the back of the ear so cartilage can be sculpted or folded. Stitches are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape. Illustrations 3: Creating a fold in the cartilage makes the ear lie flatter against the head and appear more normal.

Contact Us for More Information

For confidential personalized information and advice, please call us at 1-800-640-0290 during business hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. You can also visit our website on Otoplasty (ear surgery) for more information or use the online contact form to send an inquiry. LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING HOURS NOW AVAILABLE .