I’ve always been very insecure about my ears and believe that they’re too big. What do you think? (Photo)

Question

My right ear is approximately 6.5 cm in height (very bottom to very top of ear) and the width is about 4.1cm (inner ear to outside). My left ear is approximately 6.4cm in height and the width is about 4cm.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Rather than just looking at your ear dimensions on their own, it’s important to consider the size of your ears in proportion with your the rest of your facial features. An ear reduction can be performed if you’re unhappy with the size of your ears.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Otoplasty refers to a procedure that corrects either, or both, of the following:ears that "stick outears lack an antihelical foldNeither of these indications are easily identified in your provided photos. Although, symmetry and proportions are difficult to determine in the photos. The most appropriate next step would be to consult with a board certified specialist that performs a large number of not only otoplasty operations, but other ear and earlobe reconstructive procedures to determine whether there may be another procedure that would adequately address your concerns.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Oversized ears usually benefit from an ear reduction surgery not an otoplasty. This can typically be done in the office under local anesthesia. Usually there are no drains, no outside stitches, and patients can go out in public the same day, although I usually recommend they low for the first couple days. Most of the initial swelling is from the numbing medicine and your body absorbs it within the first 4-6 hours. Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine and usually feel very comfortable going out in public within a few days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. They can usually start using make up after a few days.  At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. 
I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and I usually tell them to hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. 
Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.
I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.
I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of otoplasty and ear reduction surgery.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

based on the photos alone, I do not think that your ears look overly prominent. One thing that is important to remember is that the dimensions of your ears don’t really matter, it is the relative size and position of the ears in relation to the rest of your face and head. I suggest to him in person evaluation from a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial surgery for further evaluation.

Lorelei Grunwaldt, MD · Answer

Ear size, like every body part, varies from person to person.  I think your ears look normal.  They are not prominent and have a natural contour.

John A. Standefer Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

The ears become adult size at around 8 yrs. of age. Full maturity of the skull doesn't occur until about age 16 in women and 18 in men. Often times people will "grow into" their ears. The important thing is not their physical size measurements, it is if they are in balance with the rest of your facial features. (ie, the size and shape of your skull, and other facial features. ) The protrusion of the ears  from the skull laterally is also important in the overall look of the ears and whether or not they fit the rest of your features. Depending on your age and desires, you should consult a specialist in facial surgery and decide if reshaping your ears is right for you. My Best!John Standefer MD

Farhad Ardesh, MD · Answer

Addressing your concerns about your ears with a surgery called otoplasty is very reasonable. This can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room with General anesthesia.  The surgery will take about 2 to 3 hours. Please see consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can show you their own before and after results. I hope this helps and wish the best from Los Angeles . Dr. Ardeshirpour

I’ve always been very insecure about my ears and believe that they’re too big. What do you think? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Ear Surgery Questions

Otoplasty problem: my ear was not pinned the same and the sutures broke through the skin, what should I do? (Photos)

Ridges and unnatural concha bowl after Otoplasty, should I see another surgeon? (photos)

Keloids keep coming back behind my ears after I get them cut off.

Ears were pinned back too much on one side compared to other I need readjustment. Can it be reversed? (Photos)

Is my ear healing correctly after otoplasty? I had otoplasty surgery 6 days ago. (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS