Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty Surgery

When ears are prominent or stick out from the head, they can be distracting and draw attention away from the face. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Mabrie specializes in otoplasty (ear surgery) in San Franciso to bring the ears closer to the head.

Dr. Mabrie works with men and women from throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland, Walnut Creek and Pinole. Request a consultation online or call us at (415) 445-9513.

What Causes Prominent Ears?

In the normal ear, the anti-helical fold, demonstrated by the arrow, bends the ear closer to the head.

A common cause of prominent ears is an underdeveloped anti-helical fold. The anti-helical fold normally bends the ear closer to the head. If this fold is underdeveloped, the ear will be oriented straight out from the head and appear more prominent.

Dr. Mabrie can create or augment the fold with permanent sutures placed under the skin during an otoplasty procedure.

Another cause of prominent ears is the overdevelopment of the ear cartilage close to the head. To repair this problem, Dr. Mabrie removes excess cartilage during the otoplasty.

Before

After

Underdeveloped Left Anti-helical Fold

This man's left anti-helical fold was severely underdeveloped, causing noticeable asymmetry.

Prominent Ears With Excess Cartilage

Some individuals have well-developed anti-helical folds but have excess cartilage pushing the ears forward. In these cases, Dr. Mabrie removes the excess cartilage and uses sutures to bring the ears closer to the head.

Before

After

Excess Cartilage

This 34-year-old San Francisco project manager consulted with Dr. Mabrie to resolve the asymmetry of his ears, which were disproportionate and more prominent than he wanted them to be.

How Is Ear Surgery Performed?

In San Francisco, otoplasty is performed by Dr. Mabrie as an in-office procedure with local anesthetic. The incision is placed behind the ear along the natural fold of the skin.

During otoplasty, a C-shaped incision is made behind the ear. Because of its location, it is rarely visible after surgery.

How Much Pain Is Involved?

Otoplasty usually causes only mild to moderate discomfort. Ears may be slightly tender for a few months.

How do I Prepare for Surgery?

If you're having otoplasty, you'll probably want to arrange for a couple of days off from work, because you'll be wearing bandages. You will need to avoid blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

What Is the Recovery Like?

You can expect some discoloration and swelling after otoplasty. For 2 days following the procedure, you will wear a turban-like dressing to protect your ears. After removal of the dressing, you will wear an exercise headband over your ears when you sleep for the next month. Adults often resume normal activities the day after surgery. You can wash your hair 2 days after the procedure, but you'll need to avoid strenuous exercise for 3 weeks.

Ear Surgery Recovery

Bandages	restaurant ready*	Suture Removal	75%	100%
2-3 days	2-3 days	5-7 days	3-4 weeks	2-3 months
*restaurant ready means you are ready to debut the new you!

Before

After

Otoplasty in Children

Prominent ears may affect a child's self-image and become a source of teasing. Health insurance often covers the cost of otoplasty for children younger than 17. When doing ear repair for children, it is usually best to wait until after age of 4 or 5, when the growth of the ear is complete and the child is old enough to refrain from touching the ear after surgery.