Otoplasty

What Is Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?

An otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the size of the external ear to create better balance and proportion with the face. It corrects prominent ears, asymmetry, and congenital or trauma-related deformities using discreet incisions and cartilage reshaping for natural, long-lasting results.

Otoplasty can be performed on children (usually age 6+) and adults; techniques vary from simple ear-pinning to cartilage scoring or suturing, tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Why Choose Otoplasty at CK Plastic Surgery

At CK Plastic Surgery in Koreatown Los Angeles, Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., blends surgical precision with refined aesthetic judgment developed through advanced training in the U.S. and Korea. He focuses on natural proportions — not dramatic change — and customizes each otoplasty to the patient’s facial anatomy, cultural features, and long-term goals.

Patients choose CK Plastic Surgery because:

• Personalized surgical plans that respect facial balance and cultural aesthetics.
• Hidden-incision techniques for virtually invisible scarring.
• Board-certified expertise with decades of facial surgery experience.
• Compassionate pre- and post-operative care with clear recovery guidance.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty provides both cosmetic and psychosocial benefits:

• Corrects protruding ears and asymmetry for improved facial harmony.
• Restores ear shape after injury or congenital differences.
• Minimizes self-consciousness and improves confidence.
• Produces permanent, natural results with minimal downtime.
• Incisions are concealed behind the ear, keeping scars discreet.

Who Should Avoid It?

Otoplasty is not recommended for individuals who:

• Have active ear infections or uncontrolled skin conditions around the ear.
• Are in poor overall health or are unsafe for anesthesia.
• Have unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
• Are still younger than the recommended age for cartilage maturity (commonly under 6 years).

During consultation, Dr. Kim evaluates medical history and ear anatomy to determine if otoplasty or a conservative alternative is the safest option.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates include children (usually age 6 and older) and adults who:

• Have prominent, protruding, or asymmetrical ears that cause concern.
• Possess stable mental and physical health and realistic expectations.
• Seek permanent correction with natural-looking results.
• Desire enhancement that harmonizes with facial features rather than dramatic change.

Dr. Kim will tailor the technique (ear-pinning, cartilage reshaping, setback, or reduction) to the patient’s age, cartilage thickness, and desired outcome.

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The Procedure: What to Expect

Direct answer: Otoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation for adults (general anesthesia for children), involves a discreet incision behind the ear, reshapes or repositions the cartilage, and secures the new form with sutures — all typically completed in 1–2 hours as an outpatient procedure.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Anesthesia: Local with IV sedation for adults; general anesthesia for pediatric cases.
2. Incision: A small incision is placed in the natural crease behind the ear to hide the scar.
3. Cartilage Sculpting: Dr. Kim reshapes, scores, or sutures cartilage to achieve desired projection and symmetry.
4. Fixation: Permanent or absorbable sutures secure the new cartilage position.
5. Closure & Dressing: Incisions closed with fine sutures; a protective dressing or headwrap supports the ears.

Procedure time usually ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on complexity and whether both ears require identical correction.

Recovery and Aftercare

Direct answer: Recovery after otoplasty is typically quick: most patients wear a protective headband for about one week, experience mild swelling and soreness for several days, and return to normal, non-strenuous activities within 7–10 days.

Aftercare Guidelines

• Keep the head elevated and avoid sleeping on the sides for 1–2 weeks.
• Wear the recommended headband at night for 1–3 weeks to protect the ears.
• Avoid contact sports and heavy exertion for 3–4 weeks.
• Use prescribed pain control and keep incision areas clean per Dr. Kim’s instructions.
• Attend scheduled follow-ups for suture removal (if non-absorbable sutures were used) and progress checks.

Most visible swelling resolves within 1–2 weeks; final ear contour and symmetry refine over several months.

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Surgery Results

Otoplasty delivers permanent, natural-appearing improvements that harmonize the ears with the face. Typical outcomes include:

• Reduced ear projection and improved ear-to-head contour.
• Enhanced bilateral symmetry and proportional ear size.
• Concealed scarring behind the ear crease.
• Increased self-confidence and satisfaction with facial appearance.

Results are long-lasting; in children, durable correction supports social and emotional well-being through school years and beyond.

FAQs – Otoplasty

How long do otoplasty results last?
Otoplasty results are permanent; once cartilage is reshaped and stabilized with sutures, the ears maintain their new position for life, unless injured. Final contour improves over several months as tissues heal and settle.

Is otoplasty painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort controlled with oral pain medication. Local anesthesia and sedation minimize intraoperative pain; postoperative soreness typically resolves within several days.

Will there be visible scars?
No. Incisions are placed behind the ear in the natural crease, making scars virtually invisible once healed. Dr. Kim uses meticulous closure techniques to reduce scar visibility further.

What is the ideal age for otoplasty?
Children as young as 6 years old (when ear cartilage is relatively well developed) are commonly treated; adults of any age can undergo otoplasty if healthy and medically cleared.

Can otoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Otoplasty can be safely combined with complementary facial treatments (e.g., facial fat transfer, chin augmentation) when clinically appropriate and planned in consultation with Dr. Kim.

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