Cosmetic Ear Surgery
(Otoplasty)

Chicago, Illinois

Cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty, involves reshaping the ears to improve their appearance. The ears may be altered due to trauma or abnormal since birth. The most common concern is the "torn" earlobe (complete or incomplete) due to earrings. Torn earlobes are usually treated with an office procedure. Sutures are removed in approximately one week. The ears are pierced 6 weeks after the initial repair and earring wear may commence 4 weeks later.

Chicago area plastic surgeon Otto J. Placik, M.D. performs reconstructive otoplasty to correct disfigurement resulting from injury or congenitally unequal, small, or prominent ears. These procedures reshape and position the cartilage with removal of excess skin..

The earliest recommended age for otoplasty is four to five years when the ears have attained approximately 85% of their anticipated growth and form.

The degree of improvement depends upon the extent of the corrective work undertaken and the basic structure of your cartilage and skin. Obviously protruding ears will show dramatic results following surgery. On the other hand, correction of a slight irregularity may offer more subtle results.

An outpatient approach is suitable for otoplasty which can be carried out under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. This procedure usually takes from one to two hours to perform, depending upon its extent. Most cosmetic ear surgery incisions are made behind the ear. Cosmetic ear surgery produces moderate discomfort which can be controlled by medication.

Following cosmetic ear surgery, you will be asked to keep your head elevated and a compressive dressing is applied to the ears for one week. Much of the swelling and discoloration will have disappeared by that time but the duration of these factors varies. Thereafter, an elastic headband is worn during sleep for a period of three weeks to secure and protect the cartilages in their new position. The early results of this surgery are evident in one to three weeks and are usually quite gratifying. Mild asymmetry is not uncommon.

Find out more with our Facial Procedure FAQ.

Manor Care Post-Operative Recovery

Otoplasty Information

Please e-mail or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty).