Otoplasty Before & After Case 217

Ears are made of cartilage of various shapes, sizes, and stiffness. Ear cartilage as a child is generally soft and becomes stiffer in adulthood. Ears generally should be balanced without drawing too much unnecessary attention. Cartilage that is relatively large, protruding, or asymmetric will result in ears that tend to draw one's eye toward to side of the head, instead of the central face which is considered more desirable. 

Otoplasty is ear reshaping cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons modify the underlying ear cartilage with the goal to draw less attention. Physicians at Potomac Plastic Surgery typically use incisions for otoplasty surgery that are hidden behind the ear. Some individuals will have surgery as a child while the cartilage is softer, but those who see Dr. Chaboki have waited until adulthood to have cosmetic otoplasty.

This patient felt his ears were too prominent and wanted to reduce the ear cartilage size. He underwent otoplasty surgery via local, awake anesthesia with Dr. Chaboki, a board certified Washington DC facial plastic surgeon. His cartilage was reshaped with internal sutures and some cartilage removed to allow proper repositioning. He was comfortable during the procedure and recovery was unremarkable. The ears appear natural after his plastic surgery and no longer draw unnecessary attention.