If you or your child feels uncomfortable about his/her ears and feels that ears have an undesirable position, size or shape, it is possible he/she needs an Otoplasty. In the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate patient´s condition, and will recommend the most effective technique. The otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon considers both function and form, under scientific and anthropometric parameters.

During consultation, Dr. Espinosa may evaluate your general health status at the same time as he explains the way the procedure may be performed. In the first consultation, the surgeon examines and measures your face, takes digital photographs and analyzes them through computer, as he orders some lab testing. In a second visit, the results of your lab report will be evaluated and the physician will discuss with you the options available to you for otoplasty. In order to visualize the surgical possibilities, you and Dr. Espinosa will examine every angle of your face through the computerized images. He will be willing to solve any doubt. Good health and realistic expectation are prerequisites.

Congenital or acquired ear deformities commonly include prominent and cupped ears and should be treated by surgery. Many children, who suffer dissatisfaction caused by prominent ears, may find an alternative in ear surgery. This procedure is usually performed after the age of 6-7, when ears are fully grown. A child’s ear reaches its final position by the age of 6; therefore patients under 6 years of age should not undergo ear surgery. Also, surgeons usually recommend parents to wait until after age 6, so child may understand what the surgery will do. A treatment performed before 6 may interfere with growing of ears. In any case, the decision to undergo ear surgery should come from the child, and nobody else. Parents should be informed about the process, as well as discuss their goals and expectations from otoplasty. Realistic expectations are prerequisites. Otoplasty for adults is also possible. However, firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in children. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable, because there is no risk that the cartilage “springs back” into its original position after surgery. If this occurs, a revision surgery may be needed. However, this is usually rare. In most cases, the results are very satisfying to the patient and family.

The most frequent anatomical affection is the increase of the concho-mastoid or post auricular angle, followed by the bilateral loss of the antihelix, and (curved prominence of cartilage of ears). Otoplasty can correct these deformities through local or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear (antihelix) to expose the ear cartilage. Then the cartilage is sculpted and bent it back toward the head. This technique determines the symmetry and natural looking ear on each side. Occasionally, the surgeon may remove a piece of cartilage to provide natural shape. Ear surgery involves many operative techniques that are available to correct protruding ears. Most surgeons combine several procedures. Methods to perform surgery may vary. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.

In other cases, the surgeon may use adhesives in the treatment of prominent ears. This adhesive is a biocompatible material frequently used in surgical treatment of ear deformities. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. As an otolaryngologist, specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose throat, and head and neck disorders, and as a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Espinosa has an extensive experience and knowledge about corrective ear surgery techniques.

Otoplasty may be performed with local anesthesia and on an out-patient basis. As most patients are children, the surgeon may recommend general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. For older children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local anesthesia, combined with a sedative. So patients may be perfectly comfortable and pain free during surgery. In any case, vital signs are constantly monitored, controlled and treated by the anesthesiologist, while patient is under anesthesia. These types of anesthesia provide the best and safest patient care possible. Specific anesthetic standards have been developed to ensure your safety. When the procedure is completed, the patient is taken to the recovery room, and later to a comfortable room. Some medications can be prescribed to minimize any discomfort. Patients are carefully monitored to observe any adverse side effect to anesthesia and stay in our medical center until Dr. Espinosa feels sure they have completed the recovery phase. Patients receive specific home-care instructions and medicine prescription.

An ear surgery normally takes about two to three hours to perform, although complicated procedures may take longer. This will depend on the problem and techniques to perform.

In ear surgery to correct deformities such as “shell ear”, an incision is made at the back of the ear, and the scars are hidden behind it. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the natural back fold of the ear, which is not very visible. In reduction otoplasty, scars will be less evident depending on the incision site, though surgeon’s ability.

After the surgery, patients wake up quickly and comfortably, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiousness. A pressure dressing will be placed around the head to compress the ears slightly, hold everything in place, and to promote healing. If the patient is an adult, he/she should arrange for someone to drive his/her home and to stay, at least for the first night following surgery. Patients should stay in our medical center until Dr. Espinosa considers they have completed the recovery phase. They should have also a prescription for pain medicine. Bandages will keep on for at least 10 days following surgery. These bandages will promote the best molding and healing. As with most surgeries, there will be some bruising and swelling after the procedure. This is often normal especially after the first 24 hours.

It will be given prescriptions for use following surgery, including anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling, oral antibiotics, as well as pain medications. Subsequent post-surgery visits will be scheduled to replace the head dressing and observe the healing process.

The patient´s head will be wrapped in a bandage for the first days following surgery, so immediate results will be seen when the bandages have been removed. The final outcome of ear surgery will not be visible for at least 6 months following surgery. Patients should keep in mind that swelling may persist for some time, but this will dissipate within days. Ears will gradually assume their new shape, as swelling resolve. Although rare, bruising may occur.
In each individual, the two ears are never equal or symmetric. In spite of all surgeon´s efforts, minor differences in shape or size may occur. Remember, the ear surgery goal is improvement, not perfection. Plastic surgery must be considered as an art and not as an exact science.

Yes. Ear surgery can make large ears smaller by altering their size and shape.The facial plastic surgeon can create a more natural-looking ear.

No. Otoplasty is a surgery that is performed on the pinna or auricle, the visible and external part of the ear, which is completely separated from the ear cavity. Therefore, there is no risk of hearing loss after otoplasty.

Most people usually can be back to normal activities after one week. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks after surgery as well as contact sports. Three weeks after surgery bandages are removed and patients may see a more normal appearance of ears. Final results will be evaluated 6 months after surgery.