An ear deformity is an abnormality in the shape, size, or position of the outer ear. While congenital deformities are present from birth, trauma to the ear(s) can also affect their appearance. To restore a natural appearance, most ear deformities require surgical correction.
Dr. John E. Sherman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience helping patients address various ear concerns.
Contact our office online or call (212) 535-2300 to schedule a consultation to learn more about your ear correction options.
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About Otoplasty
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure that addresses cosmetic ear concerns. There are many variations of the procedure, each aimed at reshaping, repositioning, or resizing the ears to balance the facial features.
Common Ear Deformities
As one of the country’s leading otoplasty experts, Dr. Sherman employs sophisticated techniques to reshape the ears and can address a variety of conditions, two common ones being:
- Stahl’s Ear: Stahl’s ear is characterized by an outer ear that is folded and/or pointed, with an abnormal shape of the scapha. Dr. Sherman can expertly reshape the cartilage for a more balanced and natural appearance.
- Prominent Ears: Prominent ears refer to ears that protrude from the sides of the head. One type of otoplasty, commonly called “pin back,” addresses the projection of the ears. (1)
- Macrotia: In some cases, patients may have macrotia, or unusually large ears. Dr. Sherman can perform an ear reduction to address macrotia; this entails the removal of one or more portions of ear cartilage.
Children, adolescents, and adults can receive otoplasty treatments to address their specific aesthetic concerns. Contact our office online or call (212) 535-2300 to learn how Dr. Sherman can address your concerns.
Benefits of Addressing Common Ear Deformities
There are several benefits of addressing common ear deformities, which include:
- Balanced facial features: After Dr. Sherman reshapes the ears, facial proportions can appear more harmonious.
- Improved self-esteem: Many patients feel better about their appearance after undergoing otoplasty. (2) Patients who had previously hidden their ears beneath hats and long hairstyles may no longer feel the need to do so.
- Long-lasting results: The adjustments Dr. Sherman makes to the ears are essentially permanent.
- Personalized treatments: Dr. Sherman will make adjustments to your ears based on your unique underlying anatomy and facial proportions.
- Natural-looking results: Dr. Sherman uses techniques that require minimal visible scarring. He places incisions along the natural curves and contours of the ears so that they remain discreet.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for ear deformity treatments typically want to address ears that are misshapen, asymmetrical, prominent, or protruding. Patients may have a congenital condition like Stahl’s ear, or they may have experienced changes in the appearance of their ear(s) because of an injury or other factors. Many candidates have experienced self-consciousness or bullying due to the appearance of their ears, which can negatively impact their quality of life.
Candidates for otoplasty may be children, adolescents, or adults. However, children must have sufficiently matured ears, which typically occurs around ages 5-6. Nonsurgical ear splinting is an option after birth, but if this period of time is missed, surgical correction must wait until the ears have grown enough. Patients under the age of 18 will need to have the support of a parent or guardian.
Ideal candidates maintain realistic expectations for their results and are in good overall health.
Candidacy will ultimately be determined by Dr. Sherman during an initial consultation.
Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Sherman will perform a physical examination of your ears. He will also ask about your medical history and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Dr. Sherman can personalize your treatment plan based on your aesthetic preferences and the anatomy of your ears.
Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their consultation.
Preparation
Dr. Sherman will provide you with personalized instructions on how to best prepare for an ear surgery.
Patients typically need to arrange for time off work or school in advance. Treatments can require 1-2 weeks of downtime, depending on the procedure.
- Patients over the age of 50 must undergo blood tests as part of their pre-surgical evaluation. If they are to receive sedation during their procedure, they must be able to obtain medical clearance from their primary care provider.
- Patients who smoke or use other forms of nicotine must stop smoking and consuming nicotine at least a few weeks before their procedure, due to the known negative effects these products can have on the healing process.
- Change or stop specific medications according to Dr. Sherman’s instructions, with the approval of your primary care physician.
- Remove jewelry before your appointment. There is no need to cut or shave your hair in advance.
Treatment Process
The treatment process will depend on your specific procedure and underlying ear anatomy. Anesthesia will be administered, and Dr. Sherman will mark your ears for the procedure. He will make discreet incisions along the natural curves of your ears to excise tissue and/or make adjustments to the underlying cartilage. He can place supportive sutures and reshape the ear according to your specific needs.
After Your Treatment
After making adjustments to your ears, Dr. Sherman will wrap your head in a protective dressing. You can return home to rest after your monitoring period. Dr. Sherman will provide specific recovery instructions, which you should follow carefully for optimal results.
Most patients can return to light activities after a few days. Dr. Sherman typically recommends taking at least 1 week off work or school. During the first week of recovery, patients must sleep on their back with the head elevated to prevent putting pressure on the ears while they heal. Dr. Sherman often recommends wearing a protective headband to protect your ears during the first few weeks of your recovery.
It is normal to experience swelling and/or bruising around the ears while they heal. Dr. Sherman will let you know what medications are approved to take while you are recovering. He can also discuss with you how to use a cold compress safely.
You must avoid strenuous sports and activities for several weeks or until Dr. Sherman approves. Dr. Sherman will monitor your progress and remove dressings during your follow-up appointment(s). He will advise you when it is safe to resume all normal activities.
Results
After addressing ear deformities, you can enjoy improved ear shape and symmetry, balanced features, and improved confidence. Because Dr. Sherman adjusts your underlying cartilage to enhance the structure of your ears, the results you achieve will be stable and long-lasting.
Many patients enjoy the freedom to wear their hair shorter or pulled back, no longer embarrassed by the appearance of prominent or misshapen ears.
Cost of Ear Deformity Treatments in NYC, New York
The cost of addressing ear deformities will depend on your specific treatment plan and the extent of your procedure. We can provide a cost estimate during your consultation.
Our practice offers financing options for qualifying patients.
Contact our office online or call (212) 535-2300 to schedule your consultation and begin planning your ear surgery.
FAQ
Is addressing ear deformities painful?
During your treatment, anesthesia is administered to ensure a comfortable procedure. Swelling and discomfort after the procedure are normal. After your treatment, you can take the approved medications and/or use a cold compress as directed to alleviate discomfort.
Can you address both ears during an otoplasty procedure?
Yes, your surgeon can perform otoplasty on one or both ears, depending on your needs. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your ears and inquire about your aesthetic goals to create a personalized plan.
Will I need more than one otoplasty to achieve results?
Results can typically be achieved after a single procedure.
Can otoplasty address the earlobes?
Yes, if you would like to address the appearance of your earlobes, your surgeon can target this area. Patients with sagging earlobes caused by jewelry often benefit from this procedure. If you have gauged ears, your surgeon can remove excess tissue and restore a more natural appearance. Does otoplasty affect hearing at all? No, otoplasty procedures are performed on the external ear, meaning they do not impact one’s hearing. If you have hearing concerns you wish to address, you should see a hearing specialist. How old do you have to be to get ear surgery? Nonsurgical ear splinting can be performed just after the child is born. However, if this initial period is missed, surgery will have to wait until the child is 5 or 6, or until the ears have sufficiently matured.
References
- Nazarian R, Eshraghi AA. Otoplasty for the Protruded Ear. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2011;25(4):288-294. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1288921
- Naumann A. Otoplasty – techniques, characteristics, and risks. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc04. Accessed December 31, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199845/