Otoplasty (Protruding Ears)

Otoplasty techniques include surgical operations to restore or enhance the appearance of an ear or the ears. Deformity of the external ear may be due to trauma, the treatment for cancer, or a congenital condition such as the protruding ear.

The most common congenital ear deformity treated at Horizons Plastic Surgery is the protruding ear.

The protruding ear appears either at birth or in early childhood and can involve either one or both ears. Abnormal growth and development of the ear cartilage contributes to the range of deformities seen with this condition. Proper evaluation of the external ear is required to customize the surgical management.

The surgical approach usually uses an incision behind the ear to gain access to the cartilage contributing to the protruding helix. The protruding part is folded into a more advantageous shape and held in place by a series of permanent sutures, anchored in the cartilage. If there is an overgrowth of the conchal cartilage, then a small incision is made on the front side of the ear and a small, crescent-shaped piece of cartilage is removed. Both of these incisions heal very well and most become imperceptible with time.

The procedure can be performed in our surgical suite using either local or general anesthesia; cases approved by insurance are performed at the hospital.

A protective bandage is worn for several days and sutures are removed at one week. Pain is minimal and most people return to school or work within two weeks.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.