Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to alter the shape or appearance of a person's ears. It is also known as Ear Pinning or Reshaping, because the procedure often involves pinning large, protruding or lopsided ears in closer to the head. It is usually performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14, but adults can safely have ear surgery too.
Ask almost any adult or child with protruding or misshapen ears, and they will tell you how much this condition draws criticism, teasing, name-calling and self-consciousness. Even beautiful celebrities are not immune to harassment and feelings of self consciousness.The ears are usually fully grown by the age of 4, and it is generally accepted that the earlier Otoplasty is performed, the less ridicule and teasing a child will have to endure. For both children and adults, it is a way to boost self-esteem and improve adaptation to school, work and social life.
Besides protruding ears, there are a range of other conditions that may require Otoplasty or Ear Surgery. These include:
Macrotia or Big Ear Deformity - This is a rarer condition in which the ears are over-sized. It is genetically passed from parent to child. This condition can be very hard for a child to bear, as they are often ridiculed. Otoplasty can help by reducing size and pinning the ears closer to the head.
Lop or Cup Ear - This is another congenital condition (passed from parent to child) that may require Otoplasty. The rim of the ear is tightened or constricted, causing the ear to fold inwards. In severe case the ear can be folded into a tight cup shape. Often these ears appear small and the rim appears very rounded. Otoplasty can help by reshaping the ear.
Stahl's Ear Deformity - also known as 'Elf' or 'Spock' Ear because the cartilage at the top of the ear (the rim) is flattened and forms a shape that in severe cases resembles the ears of elves or Dr Spock in Star Trek. Depending on the severity, Otoplasty Ear Surgery can correct this by bringing the rim back into its normal position and forming a more normal rounded shape.
Torn or Split Ear Lobes - This can happen through accidents, usually from earrings. Otoplasty can help by sewing the torn earlobe together again.
Ear Surgery techniques will vary depending on the condition that is being treated, but the most common techniques in Otoplasty involve:
Cartilage Scoring - where the cartilage of the ear is cut in order to remove, add or rearrange the tissue. This technique had a higher risk of scars, although they are usually placed so they are not easily seen.
Cartilage Sparing - this technique uses stitches and sutures to change the shape and position of the ear. An example is the Mustarde method. This type of ear surgery gives less scarring and a more natural looking result.
Ear Pinning, which is the most common form of Otoplasty, usually uses the Cartilage Sparing technique, combined with removal of skin from the back of the ear to give a natural look with minimal visible scarring. For more information about the actual surgery, look at the Otoplasty Ear Surgery Procedures and Otoplasty and Ear Surgery Risks posts.
Otoplasty Ear Surgery and Ear Pinning are common procedures that can have a very positive effect on a person's life. To find out if Otoplasty is for you or your child, read the post Do You Need Otoplasty Ear Surgery?
