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Otoplasty in Cincinnati, OH

What is an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or surgery of the ears, is a plastic surgery procedure that can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, and a graduate of Ohio University, a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Donath can perform these procedures with expertise. During surgery, the ears can be pinned back, reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. The goal of otoplasty is to correct the shape and position of the ears so that they are in proportion to the size and shape of the head and face in the patient’s care.

Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears may be good candidates for otoplasty in the Cincinnati area. The surgery may be performed on children as young as five to six years of age. Having the surgery at a young age is often recommended because the cartilage of the ears is more pliable and because the procedure can help to spare children the teasing commonly associated with large ears. While otoplasty can also be performed on adults, they must understand that the cartilage of fully-developed ears is firmer and not as pliable as in younger children. As with other forms of cosmetic surgery, good health, realistic expectations, and working with an experienced doctor are essential. During the consultation, Dr. Donath will help you to decide if otoplasty is right for you or your child, ensuring the best possible results.

Otoplasty, or surgery of the ears, is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Otoplasty | Cincinnati, OH — The goal of otoplasty is to alter the ears so that they are in proportion to the size and shape of the head and face.

Table of Contents

What is an Otoplasty?
The Otoplasty Procedure
Otoplasty Recovery
Otoplasty FAQs

Otoplasty Before and After

Before and After Photos

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

The Otoplasty Procedure

General anesthesia is commonly used for ear surgery when the patient is a child. Adults and older children may receive a local anesthetic and a mild sedative. The surgeon, Dr. Donath, will begin the otoplasty procedure by making an incision just behind the ear within the natural fold where the ear and head meet. Working through the incisions, certain amounts of cartilage and skin may be removed, and the ear will be reshaped into a more desirable form for injury correction. Permanent sutures may be used to pin back the cartilage. In some cases, cartilage may not be removed but simply reshaped and held in place with stitches. Both ears are typically treated even when only one ear appears to protrude. In most cases, ear surgery takes about two hours to complete.

Otoplasty Recovery

Any dressings applied to the ears after surgery will be removed within a few days. Some discomfort may occur which can be controlled with prescription medication. Sleep may be disrupted for a week or so for those used to sleeping on their sides. A headband may need to be worn to hold the ears in position for about two weeks. Stitches are usually removed or dissolved on their own within about a week. The location of the incisions within a crease on the back of the ear allows the resulting scars to be imperceptible. Most patients are able to return to work or school within five to seven days after otoplasty, though rigorous activities and contact sports will be prohibited for a month or more, all under the doctor’s care.

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Otoplasty FAQs

What is otoplasty?

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 under the care of a skilled surgeon in the Cincinnati area.

Is otoplasty right for me?

Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears and are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and residing in the Cincinnati area 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 under the guidance of an experienced doctor. Adults are also candidates for otoplasty, though the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears is not as pliable as in younger patients. There are various reasons one might consider otoplasties, such as birth deformities, asymmetry, or discomfort from pressure in certain situations. Dr. Donath, a skilled plastic surgeon, is happy to meet with you for a consultation to determine if you or your child is a suitable candidate for otoplasty and provide detailed instructions on the procedure.

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty may be performed as early as five to six years of age to address any deformities or imbalances present since birth.

What happens at the consultation for otoplasty?

During the consultation at Donath Facial Plastic Surgery for an otoplasty, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your ears, discuss your goals for achieving balance and symmetry, 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 with the plastic surgeon, and any questions or concerns that you have will be addressed.

What anesthesia is otoplasty performed with?

Otoplasty is most commonly performed with general anesthesia when the patient is a child or with local anesthesia and mild sedation when the patient is an older child or adult. This allows for better control of pain and minimizes the risk of complications.

How is the surgery for otoplasty performed?

Dr. Donath begins the ear 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 cartilage. In other cases, he may not remove any cartilage but rather reshape the cartilage using stitches to hold the new shape in place.

How long is the surgical time for otoplasty?

Otoplasty takes an average of about two hours to perform, depending on the complexity of the deformities being corrected and the extent of reshaping required to achieve a balanced appearance.

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Where are the otoplasty incisions made?

The incisions for otoplasty are made behind the ear within the crease where the ear meets the head. This placement ensures that any scars resulting from the procedure will be discreetly hidden.

Will I have scars after ear surgery?

By making the incisions behind the ear within a skin crease, the resultant scar is very well-concealed and often not noticeable to the casual observer.

Does otoplasty involve much pain?

Some discomfort can be expected, though prescription medication can help to manage this and ensure that pain is kept to a minimum during the recovery process.

What is the recovery from otoplasty like?

Patients may experience some temporary discomfort which can include 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 in them within about a week. Patients may be required to wear a headband for about two weeks to provide support and maintain the reshaped ears in their new position.

When will I be able to resume work after my ear surgery?

Work and school can usually be resumed within five to seven days after the otoplasty procedure, allowing time for any initial swelling or discomfort to subside.

When will the stitches be removed after my otoplasty procedure?

Stitches are typically removed or dissolved on their own within seven days after the ear surgery, as directed by the plastic surgeon’s instructions.

What otoplasty office is near me?

If you live in the states of Ohio or Kentucky, Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery offers otoplasty among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.

Why choose Dr. Donath — Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University where he was a scholarship recipient and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.
He then completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati, widely recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country, where he was President of the school’s American Medical Student Association.
Completing a rigorous five-year residency training program in all aspects of Head and Neck Surgery at St. Louis University.
He additionally spent time studying at Harvard Medical School with the Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years.
Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma and Allergan, and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.

Related procedures: Blepharoplasty, Facelift, Brow lift, Mini Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty