Otoplasty or Macrotia?

asked 1 year ago by Alann in Miami
Latest answer by Benjamin C. Marcus, MD
Question viewed 909 times

I want to get an otoplasty surgery because my ears aren't too stick out of my head, but they're 60% stick out of my head, so they look pretty large, and they are, so, when you undergo a otoplasty, is the surgeon able to make your ears smallers? Because I don't like the helix and the earlobe, they look really fat to me. so, is it possible to do these procedures? thanks ! PS: I added a picture so you can comment about it :).

6 answers to Otoplasty or Macrotia?

Its not always as simple as it seems

As an ENT and a Facial plastic surgeon I have found that the traditional otoplasty surgery does not address many of the fundamental and very individual problems with people's ears. For example: looking at your picture I see that the bowl of your ear (the concha) is overlay prominent. One way to reduce the size of the ear is to reduce the visual prominence. So I would argue that you may not have to have an outside scar on the ear if setting it back is all that it needs. Be sure to... more

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD
Madison Facial Plastic Surgeon

Reducing the SIZE of the ear

Reduciing the ear lobe is relatively simple but does require a scar on the front of the ear. Ototplasty or ear pinning surgery most commonly reduces the projection (sticking out) rather than the size of the ear. Reducing the size is a more complex procedure which can be done but does involve substantially more scarring and can be done with a variety of different techniques from a wedge shaped removal with closure or a removal of the helical rim followed by reduction and subsequent repair... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

What can be accomplished with otoplasty

The otoplasty procedure is a procedure done to pin the ears back. There is not a way to make the ears drastically smaller, other than trimming the earlobes back conservatively. When you have an otoplasty the ears should look natural, not overdone. Both ears should be balanced because each ear is asymmetrical compared to the opposite side. There is at least a 10% chance of a touchup procedure at six months to a year down the road as one ear may become asymmetrical compared to the opposite... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty Ear Surgery to Reduce Size of Protruding or "Dumbo" Ears

Hi Alann in Miami, Otoplasty surgery reduces the size of the ears, change the position of the ears, and/or alters the shape of the ears. Typically, many patients benefit from a combination of removing cartilage, moving cartilage, and changing cartilage shape. Plastic surgery for the ear is commonly performed via an incision hidden behind the ear. For children, light anesthesia would be required. For adults, however, ear pinning surgery could be performed via local anesthesia... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lop (Dumbo) Ear correction - Otoplasty

Regarding: "I want to get an otoplasty surgery because my ears aren't too stick out of my head, but they're 60% stick out of my head, so they look pretty large, and they are, so, when you undergo a otoplasty, is the surgeon able to make your ears smallers? Because I don't like the helix and the earlobe, they look really fat to me. so, is it possible to do these procedures? thanks ! PS: I added a picture so you can comment about it :)." For a professional... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty Surgery For Prominent Ear

It would be best to see a series of photos of your entire face to determine ear size and positioning relative to your other facial features. That being said, it sounds like you might benefit from otoplasty, which is indeed a procedure that can make your ears smaller. In most cases, it is more a matter of bringing the ear closer to your head. In doing so, it gives the illusion that your ears are less prominent and, therefore, smaller. I will normally also bring the earlobe inward during... more

John M. Hilinski, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates