Otoplasty Before & After Case 47

Ears come in various shapes and sizes, but generally should not stick out too far from the sides of the head. Occasionally, the ears may protrude more than desired. Otoplasty, plastic surgery to "pin" the ears back, helps to reshape and reposition the ears to become less prominent.

This DC area woman had always wanted to reduce the size of the ears and felt they protruded too far out. After consultation with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Chaboki to review options, she chose otoplasty. Cosmetic ear surgery may be performed in the office via local anesthesia in adults, while IV sedation or general anesthesia is required for children undergoing plastic surgery. Patients often return to work quickly, as most of the healing occurs within several days after surgery. Improving the size and shape of the ears with otoplasty also allows one to cut and style the hair as desired, instead of hiding the ears with long hair.