Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a procedure to improve ears that stick out.  This may be mentally distressing and generally is caused by either a larger conchal bowl and/or an area of the ear that never folded properly.  This can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on your preference.

How is this procedure performed? 

Incisions are made behind the ear to keep them hidden.  Through these incisions, we remove extra tissue behind the ear and sutures are placed to “pin” the ears back (concho-mastoid sutures).  Sometimes the actual conchal bowl extra cartilage is removed as well. In many patients the natural fold (antihelix does not fold properly.  This flattening causes the ear to project more.  We can place permanent sutures behind the ear (Mustarde sutures) to recreate this natural fold, which pulls the ear back.

Recovery

Recovery is quick with most patients back to work within a day or two.  Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.  We recommend a headband and not pulling your ears forward for 2 weeks.  For patients that have to return to work, headbands can be worn at night only.  Bruising/swelling generally resolves in 1-2 weeks.

Risks

1. Bleeding – minor oozing is expected, in rare cases, blood may need to be drained
2. Recurrence – cartilage tends to want to return to its natural shape if the sutures break/pull through. If this happens a revision may be needed. 
3. Under correction – in some patients the ear may not be as flat as you like
4. Ear deformity – rarely the ear has a less natural appearance
5. Pain – pain generally resolves within a few weeks
6. Infection – infection is unlikely, but could require antibiotics