Otoplasty is the name given to ear surgery done to correct protruding ears or to reduce the size of large ears. The surgery makes it possible to position the auricle of the ear closer to the cranium in the area of the mastoidal bone (cranial bone behind the ear). Protruding ears occur equally in men and women and are inherited genetically. The trait itself can appear in slight, moderate or severe form, either unilaterally (1 side) or bilaterally (2 sides).
Otoplasty is normally performed under local anaesthetic with or without sedation. The operation lasts approximately 1½ hours.
The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear, along the concha of the auricle. The cartilage is sculpted and, once the desired shape is obtained, the cartilage is positioned and attached using stitches that maintain the ear closer to the cranium. The incision along the concha is then closed using non-removable stitches.
A bandage is placed over the ears for a period of 7 to 10 days. Once healed, the scars are hardly visible, if at all.
