There are celebrities who wear large ears or oddly shaped ears well. These features are part of their charm; however, if you are one of the many people who are not charmed by the way your ears look, you may be considering otoplasty. There are some things you should know before you take the plunge.

Age is Not a Factor

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery used to change the appearance of the ear. The size, shape or position of the ear can be surgically altered at any age. In many situations, when a child is born with ear shape or size issues, the parents will opt to have corrective surgery immediately or after the child reaches five years of age, when the ears reach their full size. This is not always the case. Many adults who are not happy with the way their ears look also choose otoplasty.

There are various reasons why an adult might choose to have cosmetic surgery on an ear, or both ears. When the ears stand out two centimeters or more from the head, they take on a prominent look. While some people compensate by wearing hats or covering their ears with their hair, others decide to have otoplasty and solve the problem.

Otoplasty is also used to scale down ears that are too large. Sometimes genetics will throw a curve, and a person’s ears are large in proportion to his or her head. Children with this issue are often teased or bullied. Adults can feel self-conscious, also.

Risks Involved with Otoplasty

As with any surgery, there are some risks when you choose to have surgery on your ears. There may be scarring due to the procedure. Even though they are permanent, they are usually behind the ear or hidden within the creases. The healing process may change the symmetry of the ears and pre-existing asymmetry may not be corrected.

Other issues include a temporary change in skin sensation in the area. Normal sensation usually returns after a while. Stitches may work their way to the surface. They will need to be removed, and if there is inflammation in the area, additional surgery may be needed.

You want to be comfortable with your appearance, and if your ears are making you self-conscious, contact Dr. Jones for a consultation. After a thorough examination and evaluation, he will advise you on the best procedure to attain the look you desire.