Otoplasty: Toronto Ear Surgery Ear Lobe Reduction

Information About Toronto Otoplasty

Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to minimize the appearance of protruding ears by pinning back the ears, reshaping or reducing the size of the ears, or making the ears more symmetrical. Otoplasty is often performed on children once the ears have reached their full size, typically around the age of five or six. By performing this surgery early on, children can be spared a great deal of teasing that may result from protruding ears and some loss of hearing. Otoplasty can also be performed on adults. For adults, this procedure is often combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures.

Are You A Good Candidate For Otoplasty

Read the ear surgery FAQs

If you are considering otoplasty, it's important that you be in good physical health, have realistic expectations of the outcome, and understand the surgery. When considering otoplasty for a child, there are some considerations that must be taken into account. It's important that parents have their child's best interest in mind, aesthetically as well as psychologically and physically. Having a positive attitude toward surgery is important to any surgical procedure, but particularly with young patients. Nevertheless, it's often best to perform the procedure at a young age because children can experience psychological benefits from the improvement and the ear cartilage is more pliable at younger ages and can allow for greater shaping. Adult patients of otoplasty should be aware that fully developed ears have firmer cartilage that cannot be as easily molded as with younger patients. Otoplasty does not affect hearing.

Deciding To Undergo Otoplasty

Once you've chosen to undergo otoplasty, it's essential that you find a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon. The surgeon will meet with you for a consultation, during which time he or she will examine the ears and their structure and discuss your goals and your options. It's often recommended that surgery be performed on both ears, even if only one ear requires pinning back. This will provide the most symmetrical, natural appearance.

The surgeon should take a thorough medical history and discuss all aspects of the procedure, including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the risks and the costs. General anesthesia is often recommended for young patients, while older children and adults typically require local anesthesia combined with mild sedation. Otoplasty typically takes two hours to complete.

The Surgery

The incision for otoplasty is made just behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear and head meet. Excess cartilage and skin will be removed. The surgeon may also sculpt the cartilage to a more desirable shape and pin back the cartilage with permanent sutures. In some cases, no cartilage is removed but rather stitches are used to permanently hold the cartilage in place.

After Surgery

After surgery, soft dressing are applied to the ears and remain for several days. Patients typically experience some amount of mild discomfort. Sleep may also be disrupted as patients cannot put pressure on the ear areas. Your surgeon may require that you wear a headband during the first two weeks to hold the ears in position.

Otoplasty involves minimal risks. A thin white scar will result after healing and it is generally well concealed within a natural crease behind the ear. Surgery performed for cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by insurance. However, coverage may be available to some degree for surgeries performed to correct or improve birth defects or traumatic injuries. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.

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Otoplasty Ear Surgery in Toronto