(757) 496-5556 Ear surgery, known as otoplasty corrects large, protruding, or abnormally shaped ears to make them appear less prominent and more in proportion with the face. Though many adults have this procedure, it most commonly is performed on children, who can undergo the procedure as young as age five or six.
To improve the appearance of protruding ears, the cartilage of the ear is reshaped to position them closer to the head. Incisions are typically placed behind the ears so that scars are concealed within natural creases. To alter the shape of the ears, skin and cartilage are removed and the ear is then reshaped to give it a more proportional contour.
Otoplasty surgery is accomplished in 1-3 hours under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s age. A protective bandage will be applied to support the healing of the ears in their new position. Recovery time for this procedure is 5-7 days for children and adults, and sutures are removed in one week. Full activities are permitted at 4-6 weeks.
Please contact our plastic surgery center in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, or Suffolk for more information about Otoplasty/Ear Surgery and to schedule a cosmetic consultation with one of our doctors.