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What is otoplasty?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty or “ear pinning,” is a procedure that can enhance your appearance by adjusting the shape, position or proportion of your ears. Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS is a Board Certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing otoplasty in Newport Beach. By giving your ears a more natural shape, Dr. Wirth can also bring balance and proportion to the rest of your face.

How is otoplasty performed?

Ear surgery typically takes less than two hours to perform and requires either local or general anesthesia, based on Dr. Wirth’s recommendations. His surgical technique will vary depending upon what type of ear surgery you have elected. Once you have been sedated, Dr. Wirth will make a predetermined incision, generally made on the back surface of the ear. If a frontal incision is required, however, it will be concealed within the natural folds of the ear.

Following the incision, Dr. Wirth will trim or remove excess cartilage and skin. Once the ear has been shaped to a more proportionate form, Dr. Wirth will place permanent internal sutures to secure the newly-shaped cartilage, with temporary sutures placed to close incisions made to the external ear. Following your surgery, bandages or dressings will be placed around your ear to aid in healing and to provide additional support to the ear’s new shape and position.

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Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure that can be elected for both adults and children who are at least five years of age. The best candidates will possess good overall physical and mental health, as well as realistic expectations of surgery. It is also important to note that this is a distinct surgery from earlobe repair surgery, which addresses damage or trauma to the earlobe. During your consultation with Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS, he will be able to determine if ear surgery in our Newport Beach office is right for your cosmetic goals.

You may be a candidate for ear surgery in Newport Beach if you have one or more of the following conditions:

  • Protruding ears on one or both sides
  • Macrotia (excessively large ears)
  • Dissatisfaction with the results of prior ear surgery

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

  • Refined ear shape 
  • Reduction in excess cartilage, bone and tissue
  • Ears more proportionate to the other facial features
  • Improved ear symmetry
  • Correction of birth defects or ear injuries
  • Long-lasting results
  • Enhanced self-confidence

How Does Ear Surgery Work?

Ear surgery typically takes less than two hours to perform and requires either local or general anesthesia, based on Dr. Wirth’s recommendations. His surgical technique will vary depending upon what type of ear surgery you have elected. Once you have been sedated, Dr. Wirth will make a predetermined incision, generally made on the back surface of the ear. If a frontal incision is required, however, it will be concealed within the natural folds of the ear.

Following the incision, Dr. Wirth will trim or remove excess cartilage and skin. Once the ear has been shaped to a more proportionate form, Dr. Wirth will place permanent internal sutures to secure the newly-shaped cartilage, with temporary sutures placed to close incisions made to the external ear. Following your surgery, bandages or dressings will be placed around your ear to aid in healing and to provide additional support to the ear’s new shape and position.

Dr. Wirth describing the process of earlobe surgery

What can I expect from my recovery?

Immediately following your otoplasty in Newport Beach, you’ll likely experience a throbbing or aching in your ears, which may last for a few days. Dr. Wirth may prescribe pain medication to reduce discomfort. Recovery times vary among patients, but most are mobile within a few hours of surgery. You’ll need to wear bulky bandages around your head for the first few days, which will then be swapped for a thinner headband dressing, and your temporary sutures removed within a week.

Enjoying the Ears of Your Dreams

Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS will provide you with personalized post-operative instructions for taking care of your ears after surgery, which might include the application of a topical medication or oral medications to aid in healing and reduce the risk of infection.

You’ll be able to return to work and most normal activities within a week. Once the initial dressings or bandages are removed, the results of your ear surgery will be immediately apparent.

You may have some scarring from surgery, but it will fade with time, and you’ll be able to enjoy ears that perfectly complement the rest of your facial features.

Why choose Dr. Wirth for ear surgery in Newport Beach?

If you’ve been feeling frustrated by ears that are too large, too small, or generally don’t quite complement your facial features in the way that you’d like, reach out and set up a consultation here at Wirth Plastic Surgery. We deliver excellent results with otoplasty in Newport Beach, and we want to hear from you if you think ear surgery might be the right choice for you. Garrett Wirth, MD, MS, FACS brings an aesthetic eye and years of procedural experience to each and every procedure, and he’s excited to help you absolutely love the way you look.

Wirth Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Otoplasty FAQs

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, can resolve ears that are oversized, protruding, or asymmetrical. There are many advantages to having ear surgery, including resolving overly large and protruding ears, balancing features and overall head shape, allowing you to reveal your ears and wear any hairstyle, and boosting your self-esteem.

Are the results permanent?

The results of otoplasty are long-lasting. The ear cartilage may settle or change slightly over time, but the results typically last a lifetime.

Is otoplasty covered by insurance?

Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, but your ear surgery may be covered when ear function is involved. We can help you with financing options so you can get your ear surgery when you want it.

Will I have visible scarring after ear surgery?

After surgery, your incisions will heal and finally appear as a thin, fine line, behind your ear. Dr. Wirth will conceal the incision along the back of the ear where it will be virtually unnoticeable.

Will otoplasty impact my hearing?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that only treats the outer ear. Any changes to how sounds enter your ear are minor, and usually unnoticeable. Your hearing is not likely to be affected by otoplasty.

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