Introduction to Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)

Most people who are bothered by their ears think they are too large. In reality, the problem isn’t the size, but the shape and the manner in which they protrude away from the head. This undesirable appearance can be corrected through a procedure called Otoplasty (pronounced auto - plasty).

Best Candidates for Ear Reshaping Surgery

Children, after the age of 5 or 6 years
Adult men and women of any age

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Dr. James Matas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orlando, Florida, has extensive experience performing facial plastic surgery. At your initial consultation, he will discuss your goals and motivations for surgery, along with assessing your physical and emotional health and reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries, past and current medical conditions, as well as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medications you take.

He will discuss the procedure in detail, outlining the techniques and incisions needed, the type of anesthesia, where the surgery will be performed and the risks and possibility of complications.

He will advise you to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen products, Vitamin E and certain herbal medications before surgery, as these can cause increased bleeding or have undesirable effects with anesthesia.

A staff member may take photographs of you, and using computer imaging technology, provide you with a before/after comparison for discussion purposes. You will also be provided with the financial details, along with a suggested plan of action should you decide to take the next step towards ear reshaping.

How Ear Reshaping Surgery is Performed

An incision is made along the crease behind the ear. Through this incision, the cartilage is reshaped and often, excess cartilage is removed. Permanent sutures are used to anchor and hold the ears in their new position. The outside incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. The ears are then covered with a dressing that will remain for a few days.

The surgery takes approximately one hour and is performed outpatient under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovery from Surgery

You will be discharged wearing a bandage or headband over your ears. This is worn during for the first week for additional reinforcement, and then used during sleep for two to three more weeks.

Although there is very little discomfort with this procedure, any mild discomfort can be easily controlled with prescribed pain medication. You can continue with normal activities after several days, but should avoid activities that cause perspiring. For school age children, vigorous physical activities and contact sports can be resumed in a few weeks.

Since the incisions are hidden behind your ear and covered with hair, they will not be visible.

Your New Look

Friends, family and co-workers won’t know you’ve had cosmetic surgery unless you tell them. They may notice a change in your appearance, but are likely to think you’ve changed your hairstyle. You’ll notice the change, however, and will feel more self-confident than you ever thought possible. And the next time you are asked to pose for a photograph, you’ll smile happily!