Otoplasty, or ear surgery, can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ears when they appear overly prominent, unusually large, or uneven. At Funt Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David K. Funt uses individualized surgical planning to create a more balanced relationship between the ears and surrounding facial features.
Ear surgery may be performed for cosmetic concerns or to correct structural differences that are present from birth or caused by injury. Common concerns include prominent ears, large or stretched earlobes, asymmetry, and certain congenital ear deformities.
What Can Otoplasty Improve?
Ear surgery typically serves two purposes: bringing prominent ears closer to the head and reducing or reshaping disproportionately large ears.
Otoplasty may also help improve:
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Prominent or protruding ears
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Large or uneven ears
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“Lop,” “cupped,” or “shell” ear deformities
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Large or stretched earlobes
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Deep creases or irregularities in the earlobes
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Differences between the two ears
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Certain congenital or injury-related ear deformities
More extensive reconstructive procedures may also be considered when part or all of an ear is missing or significantly underdeveloped.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults. For children, surgery is generally considered once the ear cartilage has developed sufficiently to support correction, often around age 5 or later. A child should also be healthy, able to follow instructions, and comfortable with the idea of surgery.
Teenagers and adults may consider otoplasty when they are bothered by the size, shape, or position of their ears. Good candidates are generally healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic goals for the procedure.
How Is Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty is tailored to the specific change being made. Incisions are commonly placed on the back surface of the ear, helping keep resulting scars discreet.
During surgery, Dr. Funt can reshape or reposition the cartilage to bring prominent ears closer to the head or improve their contour. Depending on the anatomy, cartilage may be sculpted, folded, repositioned, or secured with sutures. Skin may also be removed when necessary.
Both ears may be treated even when the concern is more noticeable on one side so that the final result appears better balanced.
Otoplasty Recovery and Results
Some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are expected after ear surgery. Dressings or bandages may be used to protect the ears and support their new shape during the early healing period, and patients should follow instructions carefully about when these can be removed.
Results can often be appreciated relatively early once dressings are removed, particularly when protruding ears have been repositioned closer to the head. Incisions are usually concealed behind the ears or within their natural creases. More extensive reconstruction may take longer for the final result to become apparent.
Why Choose Funt Aesthetics for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty requires careful attention to ear cartilage, symmetry, facial proportions, and discreet incision placement. Dr. David K. Funt is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He completed extensive training in general and plastic surgery and has decades of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Funt has also been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for more than 25 years.
At Funt Aesthetics, ear surgery is planned around the patient’s individual anatomy and the specific shape, position, or proportion being corrected. The goal is to create ears that look balanced with the face without drawing unnecessary attention to the surgical change.
Explore Otoplasty in Long Island & Nassau County, NY
Otoplasty can improve prominent, uneven, or unusually shaped ears while creating better balance with the rest of the face. Funt Aesthetics provides individualized ear surgery planning for children, teenagers, and adults throughout Long Island and Nassau County, NY. To discuss your concerns or your child’s needs, call 516-295-0404 to schedule a consultation with Funt Aesthetics.
