The decision to undergo Cosmetic ear surgery is an exciting one. It is my belief, that an educated patient allows you to better determine your personal goals, and enables you to make an informed decision about surgery. I have developed this website as a patient information resource.

Oto means ear, and plasty means to shape or reform. The operation of Otoplasty means to reshape or reform the ear. The most common condition that warrants an Otoplasty is the prominent ear even though other ear malformations exist. The prominent ear is described as an ear that protrudes or sticks out too far from the head. Through an incision made on the back of the ear, surgical techniques, such as, cartilage removal, weakening, and reshaping can be performed to restore normal ear shape and correct the ears contour.

Otoplasty is commonly done on children once the ear is fully developed (ages 4-6). However, it is also performed on adults. When the procedure is done on children general anesthesia is most often used. When the procedure is done on adults IV sedation and local aesthesia are used. The ears are usually bandaged for a few days, and while sleeping a headband is used for up to two months to protect the ear from trauma while asleep. This procedure can be done on one or both ears, as needed.