Creating Facial Harmony

Prominent or misshapen ears can be challenging for young adults and children, occasionally drawing ridicule from peers. The prominent ear may take several forms, but usually result from misshapen cartilage during intrauterine growth. After careful consideration, a surgical procedure known commonly as otoplasty may be used to reshape the ear cartilage, creating a more natural-looking ear.

Ear Surgery Before & Afters

*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.

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What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, often referred to as ear pinning surgery, is performed to reshape or reposition prominent ears. It is commonly used to correct protruding ears, reduce the size of overly large ears, or address other ear deformities. Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults and is typically done to improve the appearance of the ears or to correct congenital ear abnormalities. Otoplasty can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and confidence. ​​Our surgeons recommend scheduling a private consultation at the Buckingham Center to determine candidacy for ear surgery.

Why Choose The Buckingham Center For Facial Plastic Surgery?

With three board-certified facial plastic surgeons and our own accredited surgical facility, the Buckingham Center is dedicated to providing exceptional surgical care. As your destination for facial specialists in Austin, we bring a scientific approach to our practice, emphasizing specialized services known for their remarkable outcomes. Our team members possess unique skills, and they invest in the highest level of training to ensure your safety and well-being.

Our team focuses on nurturing relationships with individuals like you, guiding you through your aesthetic or reconstructive journey. Our staff takes immense pride in delivering the utmost care to our patients. During your time with us, you will experience a cheerful, warm, and friendly atmosphere brimming with care, respect, and professionalism. Your journey with us promises to be as uplifting as the naturally beautiful results we help you achieve.

Addressing Ear Concerns Early 

Addressing prominent or misshapen ears with otoplasty before the individual develops self-identification and peer involvement during the elementary years is the best choice for children. When corrected during this timeframe, most children forget the experience altogether. Moreover, they never encounter unfavorable social interactions due to their prominent or misshapen ears. Our surgeons recommend the potential patient schedule a private consultation at the Buckingham Center to determine if they are a viable candidate for an otoplasty procedure.

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After Your Surgery

The day after the otoplasty surgery (aka ear pinning surgery), the dressing placed around your head will be removed, and a new dressing will be applied. You should keep this in place for an additional 48 hours and remove it as instructed. A dissolvable type of suture has been placed behind the ears. This area will need to be cleaned two to three times per day with Q-Tips and gentle soap with water. After cleansing, the provided ointment should be applied with a Q-Tip for the first week.

The light elastic headband should be worn postoperatively for one week following dressing removal. After the first week, the headband should continue to be worn in the evening hours and at night for one month. This is a preventative measure to help protect your ears while sleeping. It also aids in assisting the healing process to occur where the ears are positioned. We will check your progress regularly following surgery.

Ear Surgery FAQ

What Is Ear Surgery?

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Ear Surgery?

What Can I Expect During a Consultation for Ear Surgery?

Where Is the Ear Surgery Procedure Performed?

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Ear Surgery?

How Is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?

How Long Does Ear Surgery Take?

Where Are the Incisions Made for Ear Surgery?

Are There Scars After Ear Surgery?

What Is the Recovery Like After Otoplasty?

When Can I Return to Work After My Otoplasty Surgery?

When Can I Exercise After the Ear Surgery Procedure?

Would the Surgery for Both of My Ears Make Them Appear Uniform?

What Type of Ear Surgery Is Used to Correct Uneven Ears?

Is It Possible to Have a Revision Otoplasty?

Will Otoplasty Affect My Hearing?

What Is Ear Surgery?

Potential candidates for ear surgery are over the age of five and are in good physical health with realistic expectations for the improvement of large or protruding ears. A private consultation with one of our surgeons is the best way to determine if otoplasty is right for you.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery is primarily performed on children between the ages of 5 and 14, though otoplasty can be performed on adults .

What Can I Expect During a Consultation for Ear Surgery?

The surgeon asks what you would like to accomplish with an otoplasty. In addition, please inform the doctor about medical issues, including allergies to latex and medications as well as information about previous surgical procedures.

Where Is the Ear Surgery Procedure Performed?

Our patients’ otoplasty procedures are frequently performed our fully accredited outpatient surgical center.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Ear Surgery?

The different types of anesthesia used during ear surgery often vary by age. General anesthesia is typically utilized for younger children, while older children or adults may receive IV sedation or a combination of local anesthesia and oral sedation.

How Is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?

For the otoplasty procedure, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The ear is then reshaped and moved closer to the head in order to achieve the desired result. The reshaping occurs by using sutures to create appropriate folds in the ear as well as to place the entire ear closer to the head. Additional absorbable sutures are then used to close the initial incision.

How Long Does Ear Surgery Take?

A typical ear surgery procedure takes around two hours, but times will vary between patients.

Where Are the Incisions Made for Ear Surgery?

Buckingham Center’s surgeons typically confine the incisions for ear surgery to the back of the ear.

Are There Scars After Ear Surgery?

Placement behind the ear ensures the scar remains well concealed. Furthermore, as time passes, the resulting scars will fade.

What Is the Recovery Like After Otoplasty?

After ear surgery, your ears may be bandaged. For the first few days following surgery, patients should expect to experience mild discomfort, throbbing, or aching of the ears. These symptoms can be alleviated with a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medication. The bandages are usually removed three days after the procedure and replaced with a lighter headband-like dressing. Some swelling, redness, and numbness can also occur.

When Can I Return to Work After My Otoplasty Surgery?

Work or school can typically be resumed within 5 to 7 days of the otoplasty procedure, but may vary depending on the individual.

When Can I Exercise After the Ear Surgery Procedure?

After ear surgery, vigorous exercise should be postponed for about three weeks. In addition, any activities that may involve hitting or bending the ear should be avoided for at least six weeks following surgery.

Would the Surgery for Both of My Ears Make Them Appear Uniform?

If one ear’s measurements fall within the 'normal' range, then surgery only needs to be performed on the ear that protrudes. However, if both ears protrude, it is often best to address the differences in both ears.

What Type of Ear Surgery Is Used to Correct Uneven Ears?

If the ear protrusion is asymmetrical, an otoplasty can make the ears appear more even. If one ear is truly lower than the other is, and the earlobe is attached, there is no way to correct the asymmetry.

Is It Possible to Have a Revision Otoplasty?

Otoplasty procedures are very reliable. However, there are times when a patient is unhappy with their result. At the Buckingham Center, unhappy patients are a rarity. Nonetheless, our surgeons can perform a revision otoplasty for individuals who desire improvement from prior procedures, even if performed by a different surgeon

Will Otoplasty Affect My Hearing?

No, an otoplasty will not affect your hearing positively or negatively.

Schedule An Otoplasty Consultation Today

If you want more details about ear surgery, contact the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, to schedule your initial consultation. We are excited to meet you and explore how we can enhance your appearance and well-being. Contact us at 512-401-2500 or complete our online form to request a consultation with one of our skilled surgeons.

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