At Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery, located in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota County, we understand that ears don’t usually draw attention to themselves. But if they are excessively protruded, they may become the focal point of your face, leading to self-esteem issues and the loss of confidence. If you’re concerned about the shape or size of your ears, you may consider ear surgery.
Address Your Ear-Related Aesthetic Concerns
Aesthetic concerns related to the ears generally fall into two categories — protruding ears or drooping ears. Protruding ears occur when the cartilage bowl underneath the ears is overly large, thus pushing the ears far away from the head. Meanwhile, drooping ears occur when the cartilage along the rim of the ear doesn’t develop completely, thus offering limited support to the back of the ear. Our board-certified facial plastic surgeons offer personalized otoplasty in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch to restore optimal facial proportions.
Ear Surgery Can Correct:
- Overly protruding ears
- Overly large ears
- Drooping ears
- Elongated earlobes
- Torn or split earlobes
Ear Surgery for Protruding Ears
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the aesthetic appearance of the ears. Generally speaking, an ear surgery involves making a strategic incision on the back of the ear to sculpt or remove excess cartilage from the back of the ear, thus pinning the ears closer to the head. The surgeon can also add support to the back of the ears to improve the dropping appearance. The entire procedure concludes within an hour.
Earlobe Reduction & Repair
You may also have aesthetic concerns related to earlobes, such as an elongated or torn earlobe. Your earlobes may get elongated because of the long-term use of heavy jewelry and earrings, which can drag the earlobes down and make them hang. Meanwhile, torn earlobes usually occur because of trauma or injuries, for example, when your earrings snag on a piece of fabric and get pulled right off your ears. An earlobe reduction/repair can correct the aesthetic problems related to the earlobes.
During an earlobe repair, the surgeon administers local anesthesia with light sedation to ensure comfort. After administering anesthesia, the surgeon removes the scar tissues that may be left after the tear, following which the earlobes are rebuilt. The surgeon performing your otoplasty in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch may use sutures to bind the two ends of the earlobes together to facilitate natural healing. The specific details of the surgical technique depend on the location, size, and shape of the earlobe tear. Your earlobe will heal with a hairline scar.
Recovery After Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
After your ear surgery, you can expect swelling, tenderness, redness, numbness, and bruising around the ears for a few days or weeks. Your head will be wrapped for a few days to protect the incision site and protect the ears. The surgeon will prescribe medications that you must take to prevent infections and alleviate discomfort. You can start walking a few hours after ear surgery, but you must avoid activities that involve bending or placing pressure on the ears.
Otoplasty FAQs
Am I a good candidate for ear surgery?
Good candidates are healthy individuals bothered by the size, shape, or position of their ears, including protruding or drooping ears. Your surgeon will evaluate your ear anatomy and goals during your consultation to confirm the right approach.
Will otoplasty leave visible scars?
For ear reshaping, the incision is made on the back of the ear, so scarring is hidden from view. Earlobe repairs typically heal with a fine, hairline scar.
Will my ears look natural after surgery?
Yes, the goal is to bring your ears into better proportion with your face while preserving a natural look. Your surgeon creates a personalized plan so your ears look balanced rather than overly pinned back.
How long will I need to wear a head wrap after otoplasty?
Your head is wrapped for a few days after surgery to protect the incisions and support the new ear position. Your surgeon will tell you if any additional support, like a headband, is recommended afterward.
When can I return to work or school after ear surgery?
Most patients can resume light daily activities within a few days, though swelling and tenderness may linger longer. You’ll need to avoid bending, heavy activity, and anything that puts pressure on your ears until your surgeon clears you.
Schedule an Appointment
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery, located in Lakewood Ranch, is a state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery center led by board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeons. Our surgeons take a personalized approach to plastic surgery. They discuss your concerns and goals, understand why you’re pursuing ear surgery, and curate tailor-made surgical plans that ensure natural results. They have performed thousands of successful facial plastic surgeries and are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Please schedule an appointment to explore your options for otoplasty in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.
