Otoplasty - Ear Surgery that Corrects Deformities, Defect, and Reconstructs Ear Problems

Some surgeons perform otoplastic surgery as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. This procedure is usually performed on children and is used to correct “prominent” ears. An experienced and knowledgeable surgeon applies three otoplastic techniques depending on the auricular deformity, defect or reconstruction that is required that is either in combination or individually in order to produce and ear with natural appearance, contour or proportions. The following are 3 otoplastic techniques used in ear surgery:

1. Antihelical Fold Manipulation

• Converse–Wood-Smith technique –Creates a more defined fold of natural appearance and contour

• Stenstrom technique of anterior abrasion-Used to cause the cartilage to bend from the abraded side

• Suturing of the cartilage-Used to set back the scapha and helical rim

2. Conchal Alteration

• Conchal excision-Takes a posterior or anterior approach to remove cartilage from the concha’s posterior wall, thus reducing the concha’s height. 

• Combination-The plastic surgeon uses a corrective technique that is a combination of conchal excision technique and the Furnas suture technique

• Suturing-During this procedure the surgeon reduces the angle that is between the mastoid process of the head and the concha.

3. Prominence Earlobe Correction

• Uses the variant technique where the surgeon cuts the skin of the earlobes’ medial surface and sutures it closed while taking a piece of conchal under-surface and pulls the earlobe toward the head.

• An earlobe correction technique where the concha has the helical-cartilage tail sutured to it.

4. Auricular upper pole position alteration

• Corrects the position of the helical rear that is near the root of the helix

In order to find out the type of otoplasty procedure that may be best for your medical needs, contact a reliable and qualified plastic surgeon’s office to set up a consultation. During your consultation you may learn what causes certain ear problems, how to prepare for surgery, detailed information on what will happen during surgery, the costs of the procedure, testimonials and before and after pictures of patients who have receive ear surgery and more.

During your correspondence with an experienced and knowledgeable physician a customized treatment plan will be developed to suit your needs through a doctor that takes the time to fully understand your situation and is committed to making sure you are satisfied with the results. You can learn of proper recovery methods, how long it will take you to return to regular activities, risks involved with your procedure and more.

Whether you need an otoplasty procedure such as ear augmentation which addresses an underdeveloped pinna or absence of the pinna, and ear pinback where protuberant ears are flattened against the head, or ear reduction which might involve reducing the components of over sized ears, get medical attention from an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Make sure that your plastic surgeon is a member of the ASPS and the ASAPS, has proper certifications such as to ensure he/she has gone through intensive training so they can make the needed ear surgical corrections you need.