Some of us go through life without ever thinking about the appearance of our ears. Others are not so lucky. If your ears are oddly shaped, protrusive, or asymmetrical in their size, it is perfectly natural that you might feel self-conscious about them. Thankfully, it is possible to correct any abnormalities with your ears and enjoy greater confidence in your appearance through ear surgery.
Also known as otoplasty, ear surgery is among the most common facial plastic surgeries. During a one-on-one consultation, your doctor can tell you more about what ear surgery entails and what conditions it can treat.
Otoplasty at a Glance
First, it is important to clarify that the ear surgery we are discussing is about correcting structural problems with the ears. In other words, otoplasty has everything to do with how your ears look and how they harmonize with your other facial features.
Otoplasty does not affect your hearing and is never used to correct auditory disorders. Again, the impact is strictly aesthetic.
Why Get Ear Surgery?
To that end, there are a number of cosmetic concerns that can be addressed with otoplasty. In fact, this ear surgery can be used to address almost any kind of misshapen ears. Some of the concerns most commonly addressed with ear surgery include:
- Protruding ears
- Malformed ears
- Ears that are asymmetric in size or shape
Note that most of these are congenital issues, which means issues that you are simply born with. Though less common, plastic surgeons often do perform otoplasty to correct ears damaged by traumatic accidents, including car accidents. Otoplasty may also be a treatment for “cauliflower ear,” a condition common among those who play impact sports, like boxing.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you may be a good candidate for ear surgery.
What are the Different Types of Ear Surgery
Depending on the specific issue you would like to correct, you may qualify for any one of the following types of otoplasty.
Ear Pinning
This procedure literally involves the ears being “pinned” closer to the side of your head, with the underlying cartilage reshaped. Ear pinning is usually recommended if you have ears that stick out too much, and it can even be performed on children with significant ear protrusion.
Ear Reduction
If you feel like your ears are simply too large, ear reduction may be the way to go. With this procedure, your doctor will remove some of the tissue from your ears, making them more harmonious with your other facial features.
Ear Augmentation
For ears that are oddly shaped or simply underdeveloped, ear augmentation can be the answer. Cartilage and tissue grafts are used to increase the outer portion of the ear, providing a more natural and harmonious look.
Is Ear Surgery Right For You?
If you have an aesthetic concern with your ear, you may be an eligible candidate for otoplasty. Discover how otoplasty can help improve your confidence and overall look.
