Will Ears Grow in Size After Otoplasty?

Question

hi i am getting ready to get married in september of 2011, i have always been self concious of my protruding ears, i recently went to have a consultation on otoplasty with a local surgeon he took 3 minutes to talk to me and did not answer the questions i had, he especially made me more nervous by tellimg me i cannot have it done now to wait untill august to get the look i want for the wedding because 6 months later my ears would look the same! i am going to waste $6000 for 5 months of happines?

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

Otoplasty is performed to change the shape and appearance of the ears.  Otoplasty is a permanent procedure. The underlying cartilage of the ear is what gives the ear its shape and appearance. In an otoplasty surgery, the cartilage is sculpted to change the shape of the ear.  Occasionally, skin and cartilage are removed as well.  This will depend upon the shape of your ear and the necessary correction.  I always aim to achieve a natural look and modify a procedure based on this.  You should seek a surgeon that you feel comfortable with for the procedure prior to proceeding.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s important to understand that
ears change throughout a patient’s lifetime.  It’s also important to realize that changes associated with
setback otoplasty are designed to last an entire lifetime.  Although minor ear changes occur with
aging, these changes would have no impact on the results of your otoplasty.

It’s unfortunate that you’ve had a
bad experience with your plastic surgeon. 
Under these circumstances, it might be appropriate to seek a second
opinion from a plastic surgeon with better communication skills.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

By age three, ears have obtained 85 percent of their adult growth.  Other than that, otoplasty is a permanent procedure and there should be no disproportionate growth as you age.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It sounds like you didn't get good advice at your consultation.  I would suggest that you go onto the American Board of Plastic Surgery website and find an experienced surgeon who performs lots of otoplasty surgery and go see that surgeon.  I perform otoplasty on young children (as young as 6 years old) to adults with lasting results.  I have never heard of a surgeon telling a patient that the otoplasty results will only last 6 months.  Do some more research!

William Bruno, MD · Answer

An otoplasty, if properly performed, should give you permanent results.  Your ears will not grow back.  There is a very small chance of recurrence (1-2%)

	You will see the results very quickly once the obvious swelling goes down.  By about the second week after surgery, you will look fine.  You can even look good enough at one week to return to work or school.  There is not that much visible bruising with this procedure after the first week.

	Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can explain the procedure and the recovery in great detail to you.

	Best wishes,

	Dr. Bruno

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Changes after an otoplasty should be permanent.  Key steps that make otoplasty more predictable and lasting in some surgeons than others:

	
		Permanent sutures-  Permanent sutures are best used in otoplasty.  Absorbable sutures do not create lasting changes in the ears.
	
		Structural changes to the ears-  Suture techniques alone do not create a lasting change to the ear.  In some cases, a fundamental change to the anatomic shape is necessary.
	
		Postoperative care- Proper care can help protect ears immediately postoperative results.


	Seek care from a surgeon whose practice focuses on face and with experience in ear reshaping.

Will Ears Grow in Size After Otoplasty?

Answers (23)

Answer: Otoplasty is a permanent procedure

Answer: Otoplasty is a permanent procedure

Answer: The Truth About Ear Growth & Change Following Otoplasty

Answer: The Truth About Ear Growth & Change Following Otoplasty

Answer: Ear growth

Answer: Ear growth

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Answer: Ears Growing After An Otoplasty

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Will Ears Grow in Size After Otoplasty?

Answers (23)

Answer: Otoplasty is a permanent procedure

Answer: Otoplasty is a permanent procedure

Answer: The Truth About Ear Growth & Change Following Otoplasty

Answer: The Truth About Ear Growth & Change Following Otoplasty

Answer: Ear growth

Answer: Ear growth

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Answer: Get another opinion

Answer: Get another opinion

Answer: What to expect with ear pinning surgery (otoplasty)

Answer: What to expect with ear pinning surgery (otoplasty)

Answer: Ears Growing After An Otoplasty

Answer: Ears Growing After An Otoplasty

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