Overview
Also known as otoplasty surgery, cosmetic ear surgery can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, such as overly large ears or protruding ears, and can also treat ear shape that becomes more noticeable with development or misshapen ears caused by injury.
Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center perform ear surgery techniques that create a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can improve appearance and boost self-esteem.
Why choose us?
When considering cosmetic ear surgery, always look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with specialized training and significant experience. For the best results, choose a cosmetic surgeon who is affiliated with a major medical center, such as Cleveland Clinic.
Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about his or her credentials, training and how many procedures he or she has performed.
Before & After Photos
Cosmetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Photo Gallery
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This is a 10-year-old girl who was concerned with the prominence of her ears. She is shown before otoplasty (left) and over 1 year after (right).
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This is a 10-year-old girl who was concerned with the prominence of her ears. She is shown before otoplasty (left) and over 1 year after (right).
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This is a 25 year-old man who wished to change the prominence of his ears. He is shown before otoplasty (left) and only 1 month after (right).
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This is a 25 year-old man who wished to change the prominence of his ears. He is shown before otoplasty (left) and only 1 month after (right).
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This is a 25-year-old woman who wished to change the prominence of her ears. She is shown before otoplasty (left) and 8 months after (right).
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This is a 25-year-old woman who wished to change the prominence of her ears. She is shown before otoplasty (left) and 8 months after (right).
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This is a 20-year-old man who desired correction of prominent ears. He is shown before otoplasty (left) and only 2 months after surgery (right).
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This is a 20-year-old man who desired correction of prominent ears. He is shown before otoplasty (left) and only 2 months after surgery (right).
How to Prepare
Am I candidate for cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty)?
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 you or your child’s needs.
Children who are good candidates for cosmetic ear surgery include those who are:
- Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections.
- Typically five years of age or older, when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction.
- Cooperative and follow instructions well.
- Able to communicate their feelings.
Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for cosmetic ear surgery include:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing.
- Non-smokers.
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery.
What to Expect
How do I prepare for cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty)?
Preparing for your cosmetic ear surgery procedure at a Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center may include:
- Lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications.
- Stopping smoking well in advance of surgery.
- Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements due to increased risk of bleeding.
How is cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty) performed?
Cosmetic ear surgery is performed through an incision in the back of the ear that allows the plastic surgeon to remove cartilage until the ear can be bent back toward the head. Permanent stitches may be used to help keep the ear in place.
Another technique involves simply folding the cartilage onto itself to bring the ear closer to the head.
Cosmetic ear surgery is usually an outpatient procedure at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. General anesthesia is recommended for young children. For older children or adults, a local anesthesia with sedation may be used.
What are the different types of cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty)?
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 concavity 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.
Is cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty) safe?
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible complications from cosmetic ear surgery include:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Scarring (minimal and generally not visible).
- Numbness (temporary).
- Asymmetry or mismatched ears (rare).
Results
What results can I expect?
Cosmetic ear surgery can dramatically change your appearance. The results from cosmetic ear surgery are immediate and usually long lasting. Follow-up with your surgeon is important to maintaining your results. View our cosmetic ear surgery before and after photos to see results from actual patients.
What is involved in recovery?
Cosmetic ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. A dressing is placed over the ear for a week to help reduce the normal swelling that occurs in the ear for a few days following surgery, with pain being 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 are fully healed from surgery.
Insurance & Financing
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.
Why Choose Us
When considering a cosmetic or surgical procedure, always look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with specialized training and significant experience. For the best results, choose a cosmetic surgeon who is affiliated with a major medical center, such as Cleveland Clinic.
Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about his or her credentials, training and how many procedures he or she has performed.
