Ear Surgery (Ototplasty)

The ears help to create balance and symmetry to your overall appearance. Overly large and/or misshapen ears cannot only compromise the balance of your facial appearance, but they can also be a source of embarrassment that causes much distress or self-consciousness especially for young children.

Salem plastic surgeons Dr. Keith Neaman and Dr. Dustin Christiansen of Neaman Plastic Surgery offer ear surgery to both children and adults who are unhappy with their ears and desire to improve their size and shape. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn more about ear surgery and how it might benefit you.

What Is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also referred to as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that adjusts the size and shape of the ears to create a more proportionate and pleasing look. Otoplasty can be performed to correct a congenital ear deformity or a defect that has developed due to an accident or disease. The cosmetic procedure can be performed on adults as well as children as long as their ears have reached a full size which usually occurs around 5 or 6 years old.

Before & After

This is a 28-year-old male patient who requested a consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Keith Neaman. He has never been happy with the prominence of his ears.

Ear conditions corrected with otoplasty include:

Lop ear: The top of the ear folds down
Shell ear: The natural creases and folds of the outer rim of the ear are missing
Cupped ear: The ear is disproportionately small
Stretched earlobes resulting from heavy earrings
Ears that stand out too far from the head

Benefits of ear surgery:

Reduces the size of disproportionate ears
Creates symmetry between the ears and face
Enhances overall appearance
Improves confidence and self-esteem

Draw Attention to Your Smile Not Your Ears

The primary goal of ear surgery is to create a balance between your ears and the rest of your facial features. By reconstructing overly large or misshapen ears, facial harmony can be established thus taking the focus off of your ears and placed on other features such as your smile. This can be achieved by removing and shaping the cartilage of the ear.

Neaman Plastic Surgery was created by Dr. Neaman to help patients look and feel their best. Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen are both board-certified plastic surgeons who have made it their focus to bring the latest in cosmetic enhancement to Salem and the surrounding areas. Our clinic offers a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical procedures in a comfortable and luxurious environment.

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How Is Ototplasty Performed?

During otoplasty, small incisions are made along the back of the ear or in the natural creases to avoid visible scarring. Underlying cartilage is then accessed via the incisions. Our surgeons will shape and sculpt the ears using a variety of ear surgery techniques which may include removing cartilage and soft tissue or possibly fat grafting to add to the natural ear shape. Sutures will be used to pin back ears and to help create your desired ear shape. Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes between two and three hours to be completed depending on the extent of work to be done.

Ear Surgery Recovery

Following surgery, your ears will be wrapped with a bandage for protection and to aid in healing. It will be important that you take extra precaution not to damage your ears as cartilage takes time to heal and the slightest impact can alter your results. Contact sports or any type of aggressive activity that could potentially injure the ears will need to be put on hold for at least six to eight weeks. Work and school can usually be resumed after a week of healing.

Improve the Appearance of Your Ears and Improve Your Confidence

Otoplasty does not affect your hearing at all; it merely creates a more proportionate and symmetrical-looking ear aesthetic that enhances your appearance rather than draws unwanted attention to your ears. Ear surgery results are permanent and will last a lifetime, providing you with the confidence to show off your ears without hesitation.

Schedule Your Ear Surgery Consultation With Dr. Neaman & Dr. Christiansen

No one should have to go through life being self-conscious because of the appearance of their ears – this is entirely fixable with the help of a skilled plastic surgeon. With ear surgery, you can finally achieve the appearance you have desired. Contact Neaman Plastic Surgery Surgery today to schedule an ear surgery consultation. Our office is located in Salem, but we work with patients throughout Oregon.