Otoplasty involves any type of cosmetic surgical procedure on the outer ear. You may want to have otoplasty to correct the size, shape, or position of the ears.

Otoplasty may be a good choice in the following situations:

Prominent ears that stick out too far from the sides of the head
Ears that fold over at the top
Ears that are different sizes and shapes
Prominent ears that are too large in proportion to other features of the face
Ears that require repair due to congenital disabilities or injury

Ear reshaping also can be performed on the ear lobes, often to fix excessive holes from ear piercing. But this cosmetic ear surgery is usually done on adults, not children.

If you are considering otoplasty in Houston, it’s essential to know the procedure before you make a decision. Below is what you need to know about otoplasty, including the best age to have it.

How Old Should You Be For Otoplasty?

Can I child undergo otoplasty? It is a more common question than you may think. Children with ears that stick out may be targeted for teasing and bullying. Studies suggest that at a young age children can suffer long-term consequences from this behavior: loss of self-confidence, social challenges, and even bad grades. Because the problem often starts when the child begins school, you may want to consider the procedure before their first day.

Many surgeons usually like to wait until the cartilage in the ears has become stable, which is generally at about five years old. Some parents want to have their child undergo the procedure when they are five to seven years old.

If they move forward with one of the otoplasty plastic surgery procedures, the child can start school with more aesthetically pleasing ears.

While many otoplasties are done on children, there is no upper age limit for when you can have this procedure. Even if you are an adult in your 40s and 50s, you can undergo otoplasty to address common issues.

Otoplasty Procedure

When it comes to otoplasty there are a few plastic surgery procedures to consider, depending on your situation and anatomy. Your surgeon may want to alter the shape, position, or size of the ears, depending on your anatomy. He or she will go over the recommended procedure in detail, so you know what your ears will look like.

Ask your surgeon to give you recent before and after photos of patients who had otoplasty and had ears similar to yours. This should give you more confidence as the day of the procedure approaches.

What Is Ear Pinning?

Ear pinning also is known as an ear tuck. It’s a cosmetic surgery procedure to make protruding ears lie closer to the patient’s head. Protruding ears are defined as sticking out about .8 inches or more from the head.

This procedure takes from one to three hours, and the patient is usually given a local anesthetic. The ears are cleaned, then the surgeon makes an incision at the back of the ear to access the cartilage. After he or she trims away the extra cartilage, the surgeon repositions the ear, so it lies closer to the skull.

If a lot of cartilage is removed, your surgeon may need to remove skin, too. Once the ideal size and shape are achieved, the surgeon will angle the ears so its closer to the head.

In some cases, the surgeon doesn’t remove any cartilage; instead, they will remove extra skin and reposition the ear.

Otoplasty Recovery

For the first week during your otoplasty recovery, your ear may leak a dark, thick substance that contains blood. This is normal, but you should clean the ear with peroxide when this happens. Don’t let water get into the ear during the healing process.

You should avoid strenuous physical activity such as sports and swimming for several weeks as your ears heal. Also, it’s important not to blow your nose for 14 days after surgery, as this can lead to excessive ear pressure.

Questions and Answers

What is the average age for otoplasty?

Ear pinning, a form of cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty), brings protruding ears closer to the face. Typically a good ear pinning surgery age for children is at 5 or 6, but adults may also choose it for aesthetic improvement.

What is the best age to get your ears pinned?

Is there a recommended age for ear pinning/correction surgery? Typically, it’s common to consider this procedure when a child starts school, usually around ages 6-10.

When is the best time for otoplasty?

Many suggest opting for this procedure in summer for ample healing before school resumes. With summer approaching, now is an opportune moment to contemplate otoplasty for your child.

Ideal Candidate For Otoplasty

Children between five and seven are excellent candidates for this procedure if they are in good health and don’t have any ear infections before surgery.

Teenagers and adults also are good candidates if they are in good health and don’t smoke.

This procedure is not recommended for children under five because their ears have not yet fully developed.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Otoplasty

The most significant advantage of this cosmetic procedure is that your board-certified surgeon can improve the shape of the ear and how it sits on your head – permanently. Otoplasty also can increase your self-esteem with little risk.

A potential disadvantage is that your ears won’t be as symmetrical as you want. You also could experience scarring and numbness.

The best way to ensure an excellent surgical result is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in otoplasty.

If you want to have other procedures simultaneously, you can get all of your recovery done at once and save on costs. Popular procedures to pair with otoplasty are eyelid surgery, liposuction, and a mommy makeover.

Request a Houston Otoplasty Consultation

Interested in an otoplasty procedure in Houston? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of the procedure to determine if you’re a good candidate for otoplasty.