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Cleveland Office

5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 306,
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
216.716.7762

Columbus Office

Located within Ohio Dermatology Center
5040 Forest Drive Suite 200, New Albany, OH 43054
614.784.5377

Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping) Cleveland and Columbus

Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)Otoplasty is a procedure performed for protruding or misshaped ears secondary to anatomical abnormalities. Otoplasty is most often performed on children before entering school to prevent children from receiving unnecessary ridicule and social embarrassment that can interfere with the child’s physiological development. Otoplasty will allow a child to feel more secure and confident about themselves.

Facial features may appear unbalanced with overly large ears

Otoplasty is also performed on adults who may not have had their ears corrected as a child and now seek to improve the appearance and shape of their ears. The ears are reshaped either by cutting out excess cartilage or reshaping the cartilage via incisions behind the ear. In some instances, insurance will cover surgery.

Otoplasty Goals

  • Prevent children from receiving unnecessary ridicule and social embarrassment
  • Improve self-esteem and confidence
  • Reshape and reduce overly large ears
  • Create balance and harmony to the face

View Otoplasty Gallery

Preparing for Otoplasty

  • The surgeon will review your medical history during the initial consultation. He/ she will look for medical conditions, in particular for ear infections.
  • Talk to your surgeon about medications you are taking and any surgeries that you may have had prior.
  • The surgeon will examine your ears to assess the size, shape, position, and overall symmetry. They may also take photographs
  • Discuss your expectations with the surgeon to understand what can and cannot be achieved through the surgery
  • Your surgeon may perform otoplasty at an outpatient facility or a hospital.
  • Local anaesthesia is administered to adult patients. General anaesthesia can be given to younger patients.
  • Your surgeon chooses an otoplasty technique depending on the specific correction needed. The technique decides the incision spot. Your surgeon may mark incisions either:
    o At the back of the ears, or
    o In the inner folds of the ears
  • The surgeon may remove some skin and cartilage if they are in excess. The cartilage will then be secured and stitched with internal stitches.

In cases where cartilage or skin is not removed, the surgeon makes an incision on the rear of the ears. They will then make stitches to secure the outer ear to the required position.

Incisions may leave a thin scar, which is likely to fade over time.

  • Your surgeon may take 1 to 2 hours to complete the surgery.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

  • A dressing will be applied over the ears. This will be replaced with a protective headband after several weeks.
  • Your doctor will advise you to avoid sleeping on the side to prevent pressure on the ears. The pressure can pull the ears forward. You will also be advised to wear buttoned shirts with loose collars.
  • Your doctor will remove stitches after a specified time if they are not of the self-dissolving kind. He/ she will advise the appropriate time for resuming your daily routine.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation for your otoplasty in Cleveland. Dr. Parry is a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon who focuses on providing our patients with natural-looking results.

Your Otoplasty will be performed by Dr. Jim Parry at his clinic in Mayfield Heights, OH located just outside of Cleveland.

  • The American Academy of Otolaryngology Certified
  • American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Certified

FAQs

  • How much downtime can I expect?

    Most patients can return to work or school in one week. Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.

  • What age can a child have an otoplasty?

    Normally an otoplasty is performed between the age of 5 and 6 when the ear is fully developed, before they enter school.

  • Can adults have otoplasty?

    Yes, Otoplasty can be performed on adults as well as children over the age of 5 or 6.

  • Will insurance cover otoplasty?

    Otoplasty is often considered to be cosmetic in nature, but in some circumstances, it is covered by insurance

  • Have more questions?

    During your consultation, Dr. Parry will be able to discuss a Cleveland otoplasty in greater detail. Contact us today to schedule your Cleveland facial plastic surgery consultation.

Always trust your face to a double board certified, fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon