Ear Trauma and Issues That Plastic Surgery Can Correct

22nd February 2023
Female Ear

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used on both children and adults to improve the appearance of the ears. An ear that has been destroyed by trauma or cancer treatment, or that is malformed or absent due to a congenital disorder, can be rebuilt. The following are some cosmetic ear issues that can be improved with cosmetic otoplasty.

Ear Injuries

Ear injuries can cause permanent damage and possibly ear loss. However, the damaged or missing ear can be altered or repaired with ear surgery to restore symmetry and the original ear shape.

Misshapen Earlobes

There are numerous causes of earlobe irregularity. They can be short or long by nature, or you can wear big earrings to make them longer. Trauma or illness can also damage or stretch them. Fortunately, earlobe surgery can make one or both ears look more natural.

Unusually Small or Overly Large Ears

Ears that are too small are a less common problem than overly large ears, but they can be a cosmetic issue nonetheless. Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones, can alter the size and form of a patient’s ears by drawing cartilage from the patient’s ribs and using it reshape and resize ears for a more symmetric and balanced appearance.

Overly Protruding Ears

Children who have prominent ears are sometimes the target of continuous teasing from their peers. This can cause a loss of self-esteem and confidence. Building your child’s confidence and positive self-image early is essential. Surgery can help ears that protrude from the skull lay flatter on the head by removing extra cartilage. Most children can have successful corrective surgery between five and seven when the ear has fully developed.

Congenital Defects

The appearance of the ears can be affected by congenital conditions as well. A few examples include:

  • Anotia (where one or both external ears are absent)
  • Microtia (where one or both ears are undeveloped)
  • Stahl’s ear (where the outer ear is pointed)
  • Cryptotia (where the upper ear is buried behind the scalp)
  • “Lop ear,” which causes the top of each ear to fold over

All these issues can be corrected with ear surgery. If you or someone you love has one of these ear difficulties, arrange a consultation with Dr. Jones to learn more about how ear surgery could be a solution.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones, Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.