Ear Surgery in Austin

At APSI, we understand the decision to undergo ear surgery is very personal. Ear surgery, or “otoplasty,” is also referred to as ear reshaping or ear pinning, is a cosmetic procedure that is offered to adults and children.

The goal of otoplasty is to improve the appearance of the ears by correcting any irregularities, over-projection, or asymmetry. The result of the procedure can be life changing. Imagine feeling completely confident wearing short hairstyles, or pulling your hair back, with no worries about the look of your ears!

Considering ear surgery?

If you are self-conscious about the shape, size, or position of your ears, otoplasty may be right for you. The surgery can help to reduce the size of large ears, set prominent ears closer to the head, and correct misshapen or asymmetrical ears. In addition, otoplasty can also be used to treat earlobe deformities, such as earlobes that are stretched or have been torn. Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons bring years of experience to the practice and provide custom ear surgery that can help you feel more confident in your skin. If you are tired of having concerns about your appearance due to your ear size or shape, we are here to help.

Why choose APSI for ear surgery?

The Austin Plastic Surgery Institute is staffed by a team of exceptional physicians, nurses, aestheticians, and support staff who are focused on providing the highest level of care to every patient. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience and perform custom ear surgery procedures with the utmost care, safety, and expertise. All otoplasties are blended with cutting-edge technology to deliver an optimal outcome. The goal of the Austin Plastic Surgery Institute is to deliver happiness, relief, and confidence to every patient.

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Overview of ear surgery

Ear surgery gives individuals the confidence and freedom to show their entire face from every angle without anxiety about their ears. Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, surgically reshapes and repositions the ears so they fit better with the natural contour of the face. This procedure at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute addresses and corrects ears that are too large or protrude outward.

Correction of an abnormally shaped ear can be achieved by our board-certified plastic surgeons in children as young as 6. If an abnormality is visibly noticeable early on, it is sometimes recommended to correct the issue before the start of elementary school.

Surgical technique: How is the procedure performed?

The technique used during ear surgery will depend on the abnormality. First, there may be an insufficient amount of ear cartilage to support the fold of the ear or too much cartilage where the ear canal starts.

Both issues will cause the ear to protrude outward. In some cases, the ears may appear too large. Regardless of the condition, the cartilage will be addressed and is either removed or reshaped.

Then, the cartilage will be secured with sutures into a new position closer to the head. The incision is generally placed within the natural folds of the ear, so scarring is not an issue.

What to expect before and after surgery

All otoplasties are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The entire surgery typically takes about 2 hours to complete. After surgery, patients will be sent home with their heads wrapped in a compression bandage, which will later be replaced with lighter bandaging. Initially, patients will feel discomfort if they attempt to move their ears. This will subside in a few days. Younger patients will need to be monitored so they do not touch or play with their ears during the healing process.

Ear Surgery FAQs

How long will the results last?

The results following an otoplasty procedure are long-lasting. The over-projection or unusual shape is resolved for a lifetime. Skin and tissues can lose resilience over time, but this has little impact on the results of the surgery.

What is the ideal age for ear surgery?

Children between the ages four and six are considered within the ideal range for this surgery. From an anatomical standpoint, the cartilage is still soft and will be easier to remold and manipulate. From a psychological standpoint, having this surgery before starting elementary school can help avoid teasing and ridicule from classmates.

Both ears or just one?

In most cases, both ears are affected. Therefore, surgery is performed on both ears. However, there may sometimes be an abnormality in just one ear. If this is the case, surgery will be performed on the affected ear, which will be made to match the opposing ear.