The Ear Plastic Surgery

Ear plastic surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

An incision is made in the back of
the ear so cartilage can be sculpted
or folded. Stitches are used to
close the incision and help
maintain the new shape.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

Creating a fold in the cartilage makes
the ear lie flatter against the head and
appear more normal.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, ear plastic surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

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