Otoplasty FAQs

Q-What is otoplasty?A-Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears, making them more proportionate to the size and shape of the head and face. The surgery can pin back the ears, reshape them, reduce their size or make them more symmetrical.

Q-Is otoplasty right for me?
A-Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears and are physically healthy and realistic in their expectations may be good candidates for otoplasty. The surgery may be performed on children as young as five to six years of age and it is often recommended that it take place at an early age. Adults are also candidates for otoplasty, though the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears is not as pliable as in younger patients. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to decide if otoplasty can best address your or your childs needs.

Q-At what age can otoplasty be performed?
A-Otoplasty may be performed as early as five to six years of age.

Q-What happens at the consultation for otoplasty?
A-During the consultation for otoplasty, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your ears, discuss your goals, and take a thorough medical history. He will also take other factors into consideration such as age, skin type and attitude toward surgery to help determine if otoplasty is right for you. The technique, including the anesthesia and the surgical facility, along with the risks and the costs involved will be discussed and any questions or concerns that you have addressed.

Q-What anesthesia is otoplasty performed with?
A-Otoplasty is most commonly performed with general anesthesia when the patients is a child or with local anesthesia and mild sedation when the patient is an older child or adult.

Q-How is the surgery for otoplasty performed?
A-Dr. Donath begins the otoplasty surgery by making incisions behind the ear where the ear and head meet. He may utilize different techniques to achieve the desired look. For instance, he may remove some cartilage and skin, reshape the ear into a more desirable shape, and then use permanent sutures to pin back the cartilages. In other cases, he may not remove any cartilage but rather reshape the cartilage using stitches to hold the new shape in place.

Q-How long is the surgical time for otoplasty?
A-Otoplasty takes an average of about two hours to perform.

Q-Where are the otoplasty incisions made?
A-The incisions for otoplasty are made behind the ear within the crease where the ear meets the head.

Q-Will I have scars after otoplasty surgery?
A-By making the incisions behind the ear within a skin crease, the resultant scar is very well-concealed.

Q-Does otoplasty involve much pain?
A-Some discomfort can be expected, though prescription mediation can help to manage this.

Q-What is the recovery from otoplasty like?
A-Patients may experience some temporary discomfort which can including throbbing and aching of the ears. This can be controlled with prescription medication. Dressings are removed within a few days after surgery while stitches are removed or dissolve on their within about a week. Patients may be required to wear a headband for about two weeks.

Q-When will I be able to resume work after my otoplasty surgery?
A-Work and school can usually be resumed within five to seven days after the otoplasty procedure.

Q-When will the stitches be removed after my otoplasty procedure?
A-Stitches are typically removed or dissolve on their own within seven days after the otoplasty surgery.