Are There Surgeons Who Specialize In Macrotia Surgery?

Question

I have a severe case of macrotia. My ears lack entirely that lovely curl of cartilage that give normal ears their shape. Mine don't have even a hint of it. All my life I have lived in fear of exposing my very large ears (getting my hair cut is excruciatingly embarrassing). The only website I found that discusses macrotia surgery belonged to a surgeon who recently retired. Is macrotia surgery a specialty? Where can I find out more about the surgery, what to ask a surgeon, cost, etc.?

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

I suspect from your description that you have unfolding of the cartilage of the ear and prominent ears.

	This is corrected best by refolding the cartilage in the proper place. I prefer the use of permanent sutures to hold the new shape. If the height of the concha or bowl of the ear is too high then I reduce it by removing some of the excess cartilage. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, and is very effective. You will be relieved of the stress you have suffered all these years.

	Today all this can be avoided for newborn babies when the condition is recognized soon after birth. There is a device called the Earwell that is used to permanently reshape the ear in infants, without surgery. I offer this device in my practice as well.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Yes is the answer. I happen to have dedicated experience in making large ears smaller. This requires specialized training and experience that is different than otoplasty ear pinning. Here is a link below to my website dedicated to scapha reduction surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure was pioneered by Burt Brent at Stanford and that team had an enormous number of patients and excellent results.  If your finances and insurance permit, that would be my recommendation to you.

Babak Larian, MD · Answer

An ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor is your best bet.  If you are in the Los Angeles area feel free to call my office for a consultation.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Microtia surgery requires an artist and a sculpturer to sculpt the new cartilage into an ear shape, Cover it with a flap, and may be skin graft it.

	Some times a tissue expander is required.

	Seek a plastic surgeon with lots of experience. Look for lots of pictures. Keep looking. Start with major Universities

Are There Surgeons Who Specialize In Macrotia Surgery?

Answers (5)