Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, Fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, Fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty), commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and/or reposition the ears. The goal of otoplasty is to address aesthetic concerns of the shape or protrusion of the ears. Less frequently, individuals want to change the size of their ears. This procedure is often sought by individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears, whether due to genetics or trauma. While otoplasty is designed to address concerns of the ears, it can help balance the face and boost self-confidence.
In most instances, a small incision is made behind the ears to access the cartilage support of the ear. The surgeon then reshapes the cartilage or removes strategic portions of redundant cartilage to allow the ear to sit closer to the size of the head. The incisions are then carefully closed and tend to hide very well behind the ears. Patients almost always go home the same day with mild discomfort and swelling in the days following the procedure.
Otoplasty can be performed in both children and adults, with many opting for surgery earlier in life to minimize potential social and psychological impacts associated with prominent ears. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is crucial for individuals to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and the potential outcomes of otoplasty.
-Do you have a torn or stretched earlobe?
-Do you want to be able to wear earrings again?
-Do you want a plastic surgeon to repair your earlobe?*Most earlobes can be repaired in the office under local anesthesia!
While your specific policy will dictate your coverage, health insurance will potentially cover earlobe repair if the earlobe acutely torn due to trauma.If the earlobe has stretched or torn slowly over the course of many years, this would unlikely be covered by your insurance and would likely be deemed elective or cosmetic.
The most common reason that earlobes require repair are from wearing heavy earrings over a long period of time. Earlobes that area pierced too close to the edge can also need repair. Earlobes that rip from trauma to the ear or pulling of an earring may also require or benefit from more urgent repair.
The short answer is yes, earlobes that have been dilated with gauges can be repaired. In general, these are the most difficult earlobes to repair.
Anytime you cut the skin, you will have a scar. The key is having a well approximated scar that has the best chance to heal. If the stretched earlobe is small, the edge of the earlobe can sometimes remain without a scar. For very stretched out earlobes or torn earlobes the scar may need to extend to the edge of the earlobe.
It is important to allow your ears time to heal prior to re-piercing your earlobes. Typically, 6 weeks or later is allowed from the time of repair to the time that the ears can be re-pierced.
Yes, you can reduce the length of your earlobes. With age, the earlobe grows and/or stretches. Shortening the earlobe can make a subtle but significant change to facial balance and overall appearance.
This procedure is typically performed in the office under local anesthesia. Once the ear is numb, the surgeon may take 15-30 minutes per earlobe to excise excess tissue and carefully close the incision.
You will likely have some discomfort of the earlobe but this is generally minimal. You will likely have sutures that need to be removed in 5-7 days after the procedure. You should ask your surgeon if you are allowed to exercise or swim in the immediate post operative period – generally, light exercise is acceptable.