Otoplasty

Adults and children with prominent ears, who come to our Anchorage practice from the Kenai Peninsula and Wasilla, Palmer, and other Mat-Su Valley communities, benefit from cosmetic ear surgery, technically called otoplasty. While patients typically have normal hearing, protruding ears can cause unwanted attention and self-consciousness.

To schedule an appointment, please call (907) 563-2002 today.

What Causes the Ears to Stick Out?

While the ears can be prominent for a variety of reasons, the most common causes, include:

• A malformation of the ear cartilage that causes a lack of definition on the inside of the ear next to the edge
• An over-projection of all structures due to over-development of the major cartilage responsible for ear support

The surgeon will adapt the surgery to the type of problem present with an overall goal of creating a normal-shaped ear in the proper location.

How Is Otoplasty Performed?

The procedure itself can be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s age and tolerance for discomfort. The procedure is usually day surgery and has minimal discomfort post-operatively. An incision will be made in the sulcus between the ear and the scalp and the incision is usually well hidden.

Ear Surgery Scars

Occasionally, the wounds may show some separation and/or increased thickening of the scar however, these areas usually heal well without permanent problems. The operation does not involve the internal structures of the ear and no alteration in hearing should be present postoperatively. Poor results can result from abnormal scar healing but also may be related to asymmetry of the ears postoperatively. This may result from increased cartilage tension causing the return of one or both ears to its pre-existing condition.

Achieving the Best Results from Ear Surgery

This abnormal result can be reduced by strict adherence to wearing a headband to hold the ear in a stable position. This must be worn day and night and may be removed only for showering for three weeks postop.

Additionally, there may be areas of numbness in the ear postoperatively and this may be permanent and irreversible. This is due to cutting (at the time of the initial incision) the nerves which provide sensation to the outer part of the ear. Bleeding and infection are also potential complications with any surgical procedure and a large head wrap will usually be applied the first evening with attempts to try and minimize these problems.

Schedule a Consultation

Call us at (907) 563-2002 to schedule an appointment or request a consultation at our practice using the online form.