Is It Possible to Reduce Ears from 7cm to 5.5cm?

Question

Hi,  I currently have big 7 cm ears which are kind of deformed as well cause they don't have the proper fold. I have a small face so they just look ridiculous on me and they stick out on top as well so I can't have short hair on the sides.I want them reduced to about 5.5 cm each since I have a small face.   Is that is realistic goal? How long will the recovery take and when will I be able to resume my regular activities?  Cost-wise, I was thinking somewhere around $5K to $7K?

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

You are really a great candidate for ear shaping surgery or Otoplasty.
A few things:
1) Make sure you go to someone who has good experience with this. This is essential to achieve a natural result.
2) Re-creating the fold in the ear is done with Mustarde sutures and is usually very reliable.
3) Shorten the length of the ear is also achieve able. This requires a bit of finesse and I do this with a "star-plasty" of the lobe. This allows the long lobe (bottom of your  ear) to be shortened with minimal scarring and a more natural shape.
Best of luck!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

There are no good procedures for reducing the vertical height of your ears.
If they stick out too far, Otolplasty Surgery will bring them closer to your head so they're less noticeable, and won't stick out as much.
I see you have loss of your anti-helical fold which is easily restored with Otoplasty Surgery.
Consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure.
I've attached a link to my Otoplasty photos for your perusal.
I hope this is helpful for you.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The costs for otoplasty varies significantly around the country. Our cost for otoplasty ranges from $2500 to $5000 + MD Anesthesia Related Costs (if necessary). More expensive cities such as New York or Los Angeles or areas with fewer board certified plastic surgeons may be more expensive. To maximize value while maintaining quality, consult with board certified plastic surgeons that own their own AAAASF nationally accredited facility, These surgeons must maintain the highest quality to keep the accreditation, have greater incentive to ensure a higher caliber of staff who detailed knowledge of plastic surgery procedures, will maintain comfortable and safe operating facilities to maximize patient referral, and ensure minimal waste to keep costs to a minimum.Consult with 3 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Second question on this panel - Long time, no ear, Jose (just kidding...)
Normally, our inner cartilage rim starts as a Y (superior and inferior crus) which merge into the anti helix. The reason why your ears APPEAR big is that your SUPERIOR CRUS of the ear cartilage is flat making that area look larger than its is.
You do not have Presidential ears and cutting a wedge of ear to make them smaller is NOT the answer.
You would do better with creation of the Superior Crus by placement of a few stitches that would curve the cartilage forward. This can be done under local anesthesia. Depending on your job, you could go to word in 3-4 days. I would prefer you did not engage in any sports activities for at least 4-6 weeks to allow scar tissue to stabilize the repair.
Good Luck.
Dr. P. Aldea

Julian Henley, MD · Answer

Yes , the size of the ear can be reduced in size. It is a procedure performed on outpatient basis and the bandage is worn for about 1 day. There is relativley little pain associated with this procedure. One of my posted photos had this very same procedure along with rhinoplasty and mentoplasty.

Is It Possible to Reduce Ears from 7cm to 5.5cm?

Answers (5)

Answer: Reducing ears from 7cm to 5.5cm

Answer: Reducing ears from 7cm to 5.5cm

Answer: Customized Otoplasty (ear reshaping)

Answer: Customized Otoplasty (ear reshaping)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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Is It Possible to Reduce Ears from 7cm to 5.5cm?

Answers (5)

Answer: Reducing ears from 7cm to 5.5cm

Answer: Reducing ears from 7cm to 5.5cm

Answer: Customized Otoplasty (ear reshaping)

Answer: Customized Otoplasty (ear reshaping)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.