Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

The following "Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery" is an overview to cosmetic plastic surgery and was published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. 

Otoplasty can improve the shape or positioning of your ears. It also can reduce the size of your ears if they are large in proportion to your other features. If your ears protrude more than normal, surgery can reposition them closer to your head.

Ear surgery often is recommended for children as they near total ear development at age five or six. Correction of the ears prior to the child entering school helps to eliminate potential psychological trauma from the teasing of classmates. Adults may also have their ears reshaped. As long as you are in good health, there is no upper age limit for the surgery.

The supporting tissue of the ears, called cartilage, is reshaped in order to position your ears closer to your head. This usually is accomplished through incisions placed behind your ears. Subsequent scars will be concealed in the natural skin crease.

After surgery, you may be instructed to wear a gauze dressing or bandage for a few days or up to several weeks to ensure that your ears heal in their new, corrected position. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for several weeks. You can resume most nonstrenuous activities within a week.

Illustrations from left to right:     1. Otoplasty to correct large or protruding ears may be performed as early as age five or six, when the ears are near full development.     2. Surgery seen from the back of the ear, left to right. (a) incisions are made and a small portion of skin, sometimes with underlying fat, is removed. (b) cartilage is recontoured to bring your ear into its correct position and supported with sutures. (c) Stitches close the incision, leaving a faint scar.     3. Surgery seen from the front of the ear. Reshaped cartilage restores the ear fold, making your ear lie flatter against your head.     4. After surgery, ears have a normal appearance.

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The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables (Botox) and facial fillers (Radiesse and Restylane) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.