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Ear Surgery in Santa Barbara
Overly large ears can adversely affect one's self esteem and can be a damaging source of ridicule among children. You may be a candidate for ear pinning (otoplasty) if you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head. You may also consider an otoplasty procedure if your ears have an unusual or undesirable shape.
If you would like more information about otoplasty or ear plastic surgery in Southern California, please send us an email or call our Santa Barbara plastic surgery office at 805-682-7222 to schedule a consultation.
Otoplasty patient shown before surgery with protruding ears.
The goal is to create ears that are proportionate to other facial features and have normal folds and shape, protruding normally from the side of the head.
Surgery seen from the back of the ear. (a) Incisions are made and
a small portion of skin, sometimes with underlying fat, is removed.
(b) The cartilage is recontoured to bring the ear into its correct position
and supported with sutures. (c) Sutures close the incisions, leaving a faint scar.
Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis in Santa Barbara under general anesthesia. The ears are usually bandaged with a head band type dressing for several days. Initial mild postoperative discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The procedure is appropriate beginning at age 5 or 6 or at any time thereafter. The ears usually look "normal" within 10-20 days. Usually, a head band is worn 2-3 weeks to protect the ears from external stress. Contact sports should be avoided for at least one month.
Surgery seen from the front of the ear. Reshaped cartilage
restores the ear fold, making the ear lie flatter against the head.
The postoperative patient with ears that are normal in appearance.
This procedure is considered to be cosmetic and so is usually not covered by insurance. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are highly unusual.
Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- Otoplasty information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Schedule a personal consultation with an Aesthetic Surgical Partners plastic surgeon
- Contact us for additional information about Santa Barbara otoplasty