Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure to change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It’s most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons—often to correct prominent or protruding ears—but can also address deformities from birth, injury, or disease.
Types of Ear Surgery
- Otoplasty
- Corrects protruding ears by pinning them closer to the head.
- Can also reshape ears for symmetry or aesthetics.
- Ear Reconstruction
- Often used for microtia (underdeveloped ears at birth) or after trauma.
- Involves creating a new ear structure, sometimes using rib cartilage or synthetic implants.
- Earlobe Repair
- Fixes stretched, torn, or split earlobes (commonly from heavy earrings or trauma).
- Ear Canal Surgery (Canalplasty)
- Opens or reshapes the ear canal, usually for hearing or drainage issues.
- Tympanoplasty
- Repairs a perforated eardrum to improve hearing and prevent infections.
- Mastoidectomy
- Removes infected mastoid bone tissue (often due to chronic ear infections).
⚙️ Procedure Overview (for Cosmetic Otoplasty)
- Anesthesia: Local or general (depending on age and extent of surgery).
- Duration: Usually 1–2 hours.
- Incision Location: Typically behind the ear.
- Recovery Time: Bandages worn for a few days; most people return to normal activities in a week.
✅ Benefits
- Improved ear symmetry and aesthetics.
- Boosted self-confidence, especially in children.
- Correction of birth defects or post-traumatic deformities.
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
- Infection or bleeding.
- Scarring (usually minimal and hidden behind the ear).
- Asymmetry or recurrence of ear prominence.
- Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation.