Ear Surgery Q&A
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Is is Possible to Have Ear Surgery on Just One Ear?
asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 3,034 times
Tags: asymmetry
I have one ear that sticks out farther than my other one. A friend told me that if I wanted to have it fixed I would have to have surgery on both of them. Is that true?
36 answers to Is is Possible to Have Ear Surgery on Just One Ear?
+5
Unilateral Otoplasty
It is possible to have otoplasty on only one ear. Generally, both ears are operated to provide balance and more natural looking results even if one ear is in greater need for the surgery.
+2
One Ear At A Time
Otoplasty can be performed on one ear or both ears. The key factor is to find out what characteristics of your ear you would like to change. Most of the time, there is an effort to make them less prominent.
Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2
Otoplasty: Ear Pinning Surgery; Measurements and Technique
Otoplasty is a procedure whereby the ear is outwardly displaced. It can occur because of a number of different reasons including loss of the antihelical fold, a large conchal bowl, trauma, and a conchoscaphal angle greater than 90 degrees.
Experience is important in correction of ear deformities. On initial consultation, a surgeon will measure specific measurements of the ear. A patient may think they only have one ear that is protruded but by measurement may have both ears protruding. ...
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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2
Unilateral otoplasty
Otoplasty can be performed on one ear.
Find a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to analyze the structure of your ears and explain why they are different shapes (is the a lack of cartilage folding? Is there excess cartilage).
Once those determinations have been made it should be straightforward to provide surgical correction to the ear that causes you concern.
I hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD
+2
It is okay to operate on just one ear.
Maria,
Good news... You do not have to have both of your ear operated on to achieve good symmetry. The best thing is for your to go see a qualified plastic surgeon for a consultation. If only one ear has a problem, then only that ear needs the operation. There is no need to operate on the good ear.
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
New York City
+1
Unilateral otoplasty
If one ear is farther from the skull or is otherwise improperly formed or situated, unilateral otoplasty would be appropriate. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your expectations and goals.
+1
Otoplasty sutures
Fortunately your friend is not correct. Otoplasty may be performed on one year ear only. It is important to be examined by a well-qualified/experienced surgeon to help you determine the benefits of operating on one or both ears. You should also be aware that despite surgery, the ears will likely not be perfectly matched. Best wishes.
+1
One Sided Otoplasty
You are not alone! You can have otoplasty surgery done on only one ear to help create more symmetry between the two sides!
+1
Yes, One sided Otoplasty is Totally Possible
Since I do a tremendous number of otoplasties in my clinic, I have encountered several that only needed one ear done. Sometimes I do both ears but I do more on one side to make them more symmetrical. In fact, this is very common. I have attached a video for your benefit.
best,
Dr. Sam Lam
Dallas, TX
see video
+1
Otoplasty surgery can be applied to both or just one of your ears!
It is fairly common for individuals to have one ear slightly more prominent than the other. Most commonly, we elect to operate on both ears and try to treat them accordingly to give the most symmetry. Sometimes however, we do operate on just one ear, if the other one is actually already sitting pretty.
This equals half the pain for two great ears!
Otoplasty can be a very rewarding procedure, I really enjoy doing them, Good luck!
For examples of Otoplasties I...
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+1
Single or double ear surgery repair
EAr surgery for prominent ears can be performed on one or both ears depending on your preference. However repairing only one ear leads ot a potentially higher rate of unevenesss or asymmetry.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Yes you can have ear surgery on just one ear...
Having ear surgery on just one ear is absolutely feasible. The goal of ear reshaping surgery is symmetry on both sides and sometimes that means having to do a smaller procedure on the other side, but it is not always necessary. Your surgeon should do his best to match up the two so be sure to discuss your concerns with him.
+1
Ear surgery can be done on just one ear.
If one of your ears sticks out farther than the other and you are content with the appearance of the less prominent ear, you can have ear pinning done on one side only. It may not be possible to match the two ears exactly but the more prominent side can be set back to better match the other ear.
Caroline Min, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Otoplasty can be done to just one ear
Otoplasty can certainly be performed on only one. I've performed several unilateral otoplasties for patients who had one totally normal ear. It is important to know that when otoplasty is done on one or both ears it is very difficult to achieve exact symmetry.
+1
Unilateral Otoplasty
Absolutely. "If it ain't broke ..." As plastic surgeons we strive to correct deformities. These can occur unilaterally (on one side) or bilaterally (on both sides) and, certainly, to differing degrees in each case. While bilateral otoplasty is more commonly performed and may require greater correction on one side than the other, it is certainly conceivable that only one ear requires correction. In that case, operate on just that side.
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Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Otoplasty surgery for one ear
While it is entirely possible to perform surgery on one ear, it is almost always preferable to operate on both ears since it is very hard to make sure that the ears are perfectly symmetrical. However, if one is really disparate than surgery on one ear might be the preferred route to take.
Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Otoplasty and the Single Ear Deformity
Otoplasty is used to treat ears. This can be one ear or both ears. It depends on the where the abnormal contour occurs which is usually in both ears but it most certainly can occur on one side.
Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1
Otoplasty can be done on one ear
If only one ear is involved, Otoplasty can be done on one ear. Visit with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgeon, or General Plastic Surgeon for their opinion. Warmest regards, Dr. Pippin.
+1
Single ear otoplasty
No you do not necessarily need to have surgery on both ears.... a fair number of patients requesting otoplasty or corrective aesthetic surgery have mostly a problem involving just one ear. Thie can easily be corrected by matching the bad ear to the good ear.
+1
Unilateral Otoplasty
It certainly is possible to do an otoplasty on one side if that's what you need! Your doctor can tell you what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1
Yes, Otoplasty can be performed on one ear only
Although uncommon, Otoplasty can be performed on one ear only. We do this on occasion, when one ear is clearly protruding and the other is not. Remember however; no two ears are identical and we generally do not see both ears of a subject [simultaneously] in casual conversation. --Dr. G
Edward J. Gross, MD
Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon
Orlando Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Ear surgery can be successfully performed on one ear
Depending on the degree of asymmetry surgery may only need to be performed on one ear to create balance. This will decrease the time of surgery, the pain and the cost. However, the surgeon must be sure to perform the surgery on the ear that will make it appear symmetric in relation to the un-operated ear. If one ear looks very different compared to the other the result may be unsatisfactory.
Robert Mounsey, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Having surgery on only one ear
It is entirely possible to have surgery on only one ear. Keep in mind that your surgery is most successful when we establish symmetry between the two ears. If you prefer the appearance of one of your ears, it is possible to perform a small procedure on the opposite ear to make it match. Your best bet is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in otoplasty as they will be able to perform measurements of both your ears and recommend what treatment is best...
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B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1
One sided otoplasty possible
Otoplasty on just one side is possible and commonly performed as long as the other ear had ideal shape. There are times that for the sake of symmetry it is better to do both ears.
+1
Otoplasty Performed On Just One Ear
You can definitely perform otoplasty on just one ear if you desire. In fact, if you like the shape and position of the one ear there is no reason to perform otoplasty on that ear. It would be best to perform otoplasty on the more prominent ear by approximating its shape and size to the 'good' ear. Over the years I have done this on several occasions with different otoplasty patients.
John M. Hilinski, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Ear surgery is occasionally done on just one ear.
If one ear is just as the patient wants and the other too prominent, the operation would be limited the the cosmetically problematic ear. Most of the time, both ears are prominent, but occasionally asymmetry exists. The goal is to get two symmetrical ears that are aesthetically pleasing.
+1
Otoplasty on one ear okay
If you're unhappy with just one ear's appearance, then certainly otoplasty can be done on that side. If both ears are prominent and one is more so, then it may better to perform otoplasties on both ears so that both ears' position is improved. Whether a patient wants one or both sides fixed, the technique still involves precise measurements and detailed surgery to improve the ear's appearance.
Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Ear Surgery for One Ear Deformity
Surgery is always possible on just one ear. What you have to remember is that it is more difficult to make the ear with the deformity look exactly like your other ear. However, since they are never viewed together even if they are only 90% close no one will notice.
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1
One Sided Otoplasty
Yes, one sided otoplasty is possible. You can see examples I and others have done on the web by searching Google for "one sided otoplasty." Options depend on the problem to be treated.
When only one ear is deformed, surgery can sculpt that ear alone. However, when the other ear is also deformed, matching the worse ear to a less deformed ear can be quite difficult.
Such issues are best explored during a consultation.
Hope this helps.
RETIRED-Michael Bermant, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon
Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1
Just have one ear done
If there is just one ear that bothers you, you can have just that one corrected. You don't have to have both ears operated on. This can all be discussed with your surgeon. You can check out a testimonial that was done for me on Youtube to get an idea. Going to someone with a lot of experience in otoplasty / ear reshaping is very important.
+1
Possible to have otoplasty on one ear only
Some patients are interested in having the otoplasty done only on one side if the ears are asymmetrical. This procedure is common and frequently requested.
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Surgery on one ear is fine
If you are happy with one ear, just do the other and try to match the good one as well as possible. Nobody's ears are perfectly symmetrical, but getting them close is usually possible. If one is good already, it's just less to do.
+1
Otoplasty can be performed on one or both ears.
Otoplasty, or ear pinning, can be performed on one or both ears depending on whether a deformity exists on one or both sides. Otoplasty can set back a prominent ear and help redefine the contours of the ear. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia only, with local anesthesia and IV sedation, or under general anesthesia. There is mild discomfort following the procedure.
Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1
Surgery can be performed on one ear only.
If only one ear is prominent then surgery can be done on one ear alone to put it in a position similar to the other side. When you go to see a plastic surgeon about your one ear that you wish to have corrected the surgeon will look at both sides.. If the one ear is in good position then the surgeon will be able to explain to you how he/she will go about correcting the more prominent ear. The goal should be symmetry between the two ears.
Susan E. Downey, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Otoplasty
If one ear is the problem than an otoplasty can be performed on only one ear..plain and simple.
