When is Ear Surgery Worth it?

Posted Monday, August 22, 2011 to PROCEDURES > Face

Posted by Foothills Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery

By: Jerold Olson, M.D.

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to tuck or "pin back" prominent ears for adults and children. For many people whose prominent ears have created unwanted attention, otoplasty can enhance self-confidence and facial harmony.

Understanding Otoplasty

Most patients who undergo otoplasty are concerned about how people perceive their ears or are concerned about childhood teasing. The procedure can help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance. You should consider otoplasty if you:

  • Are healthy
  • Are over the age of 4
  • Have noticeably protruding ears
  • Have oversized ears
  • Suffer from misshapen or malformed ears
  • Have a generally stable and positive level of self-esteem
  • Have realistic expectations

The best way to determine if otoplasty is right for you is by seeing a board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can help you decide if otoplasty is right for you and, if you are an adult, can advise you about combining otoplasty with other facial procedures like rhinoplasty. My Tucson patients often look for multiple ways to enhance their appearance when considering plastic surgery.

Add Comment

To discourage SPAM, we ask that you type your code (displayed below) in the text box.

Your Code: Use this image to validate this form.
Enter Code: *