(Otoplasty)
Prominent ears, also called protruding ears, are ears which stick out from the side of your head. This common feature is present early in life and is readily corrected with surgery, called an otoplasty. The surgery can be performed any time after your ear reaches normal size, which is age 5 or any time later.
This surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in an adolescent or adult but may be best under general anesthesia in a child. The basic part of the procedure sets or folds your ear back toward the side of your head through an incision behind the ear.
For best results, choose a surgeon with significant experience in cosmetic surgery. Ask your surgeon about their credentials, training and how many similar procedures they’ve performed.
Cosmetic ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure, with the best results achieved through a thorough consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. A surgeon from Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will be able to recommend the best cosmetic ear surgery approach for your or your child’s needs.
Children who are good candidates for cosmetic ear surgery include those who are:
Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for cosmetic ear surgery include:
Preparing for your cosmetic ear surgery procedure at a Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will include:
Cosmetic ear surgery is performed through an incision in the back of your ear that allows the plastic surgeon to alter the cartilage until the ear is properly set closer to the side of your head. This may include folding or cutting the cartilage.
Cosmetic ear surgery is usually an outpatient procedure at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. General anesthesia is recommended for young children. Older children and adults may receive local anesthesia with sedation.
Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concave part of the external ear).
Your surgeon will use external stitches to close the incision. Each cosmetic ear surgery is individualized at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, with our experts taking care to offer the most natural-looking results.
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible complications from cosmetic ear surgery include:
Cosmetic ear surgery can dramatically change your appearance. The results from cosmetic ear surgery are immediate and usually long-lasting. Following up with your surgeon is important for maintaining your results. View our cosmetic ear surgery before-and-after photos to see results from actual patients.
Cosmetic ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. A dressing is placed over your ear for a short period after surgery. This helps reduce the normal swelling that occurs in your ear for a few days after surgery. Pain should be minimal and easily relieved with medication.
Most adults return to work about five days following cosmetic ear surgery. Children can return to school after about a week, but they must limit their activities until they’re fully healed from surgery.
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
