Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to reduce large or protruding ears by setting the ears back closer to the head as well as molding, shaping and/or removing cartilage. This procedure will not affect your hearing because it involves only the outer ear, not the middle or inner ear where hearing takes place.

Who is a good candidate for an Otoplasty?

First and foremost, you must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and you must have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery. For many adults and children, having large ears leads to ridicule, poor adaptation to school, and extreme self-consciousness. Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached (or nearly reached) their full size, which is around 5 to 6 years of age. This surgery is most often performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14; but, it is also performed on adults. Most procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons and to help children better adapt and blend in with their peers.

How is the procedure performed?

This procedure generally involves reforming the cartilages that shape the ears, to pull them in, and reduce the protrusion. Sutures (stitches) are placed in the cartilage on the back side of the ear to maintain the new position. Incisions and the resulting scars are well concealed on the back of the ear.

Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place.

List of Physicians Who Perform the Otoplasty

For details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages:

Paul Cederna, M.D.

Planning for Your Surgery

The first step is to schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is crucial in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to express your goals and the results you'd like to achieve. Together, you and your surgeon will reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and the long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During the initial consultation, you should expect:

To provide a complete medical history, including information about previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
Your surgeon to examine the structure of both ears. Even if only one ear needs correction, surgery may still be recommended on both ears to achieve the most natural, symmetrical appearance.
To discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Mott Operating & Recovery Rooms

Your child's surgery will take place at the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital which provides state-of-the-art, "child friendly" surgical suites and recovery areas. Visit the Mott Children's Hospital OR & Recovery Room page or a "virtual tour" of the operating and recovery areas, before, during, and after surgery information, frequently asked questions and answers for parents and children, and much more.

Types of Anesthesia

Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists at Mott Children's Hospital are all trained and experienced in pediatric anesthesia and caring for pediatric patients. Your child will remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most cases, general anesthetic is used so that your child will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.

After Your Surgery

Click here for information about how to care for yourself or your child after the surgery and what to expect during your recovery. It is very important that you follow your surgeon's instructions in order to promote healing and progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all follow-up appointments scheduled so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.