Otoplasty in New York City, NY

Otoplasty is an ear surgery that is commonly performed by New York City plastic surgeon, Dr. Sherrell J. Aston, to correct protruding ears or ears that are misshapen. Although otoplasty does not affect hearing, it can provide great psychological benefits, especially in young children. Many adults have otoplasty as they may be self conscious about the fact their ears protrude. This prevents females from pulling their hair back, and for men it is much harder to conceal the deformity. Dr. Aston performs otoplasty with an incision that is limited to the natural crease behind the ear in a place that is not seen. In addition to putting the ears in the correct position relative to their distance from the head, the natural contours of the ear folds and crevices are created. Most people who have protruding ears lack what is known as an antihelical fold at the top of the ear. The ear is much more aesthetically pleasing when the antihelical fold is created. Otoplasty is most commonly performed to correct protruding ears. Although otoplasty does not affect hearing, it can provide great psychological benefits. Young children who are teased by their classmates about their ears especially benefit from this procedure. 

Ear surgery may also involve a torn earlobe. This can occur with heavy earrings or through other trauma. The surgical repair of a torn earlobe is generally straightforward. The skin cleft between the two sides of the tear is removed and sutured together. Sutures are placed in both the front and back of the ear, sutures are then removed in one week.

In the cases of protruding ears, the cartilages are reformed. Soft tissues may also be trimmed away. The incisions are made behind the ear to reveal the ear’s confines. The ears will be repositioned and contoured.

Otoplasties are performed with local anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, and the patient will be sent home. The ear will be bandaged overnight and removed the next day. Activities must be limited, especially within the first week. Scars will remain hidden behind the ears.

LASTING RESULTS?

The ears typically mature faster than any other part of the body, therefore at an appropriate age and time when surgical adjustments are made, the results are generally long lasting. Even as the body changes due to age and gravity, the changes to the ear will be minimal and a secondary otoplasty is usually not needed.

WHEN TO HAVE OTOPLASTY?

On average, 5 – 6 year olds are ideal candidates for otoplasty as the ear will be already developed and the cartilage and tissues will still be soft, making it easy to reshape. This age is also recommended as it is a time before any schooling, which helps to avoid teasing.

ONE OR BOTH EARS?

Often both ears protrude. The final shape that the surgery will aim for will depend on the initial structure of the ear and how cartilages are shaped. If the procedure is only for one ear, the shape will be patterned after the normally formed ear.