Otoplasty

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a procedure that can improve the appearance of prominent, asymmetrical, or abnormally shaped ears. Prominent ears can be caused by genetic factors, or the ears can take on an abnormal appearance as a result of a trauma or other causes later in life. This feature can make a person self-conscious about their appearance, or decrease their overall confidence. They may feel the need to hide their ears behind certain hairstyles and accessories.

In order to address this issue, surgeons can shape and position the ears so that they no longer take away from the patient’s other features. Surgeons can use different techniques such as ear pinning, which involves suturing and excess cartilage removal. ⁽¹⁾

If you have prominent ears or are self-conscious about the appearance of your ears, Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center can help you plan a solution with an otoplasty procedure. At Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center, our team of highly skilled surgeons is committed to delivering a positive experience and effective, attractive results.

To schedule an appointment where we can discuss this procedure further with you, call our Miami office at (305) 901-2388 or fill out our contact form. We are conveniently located off of University Drive.

About Otoplasty

One of the most crucial aspects of otoplasty is the positioning of the ear. The ears cannot be considered on their own–our surgeons think about them in the context of the entire facial profile. To perform an effective otoplasty, your surgeon will fully analyze the dimensions of all of your facial features. The pinna, or the outer ear, should be about 15-20 mm from a patient’s scalp. ⁽¹⁾ This creates an angle of 20-30 degrees that makes for normally positioned ears that do not stand out too much. This angle, along with the width, height, and structure of the ear all contribute to the outward appearance of the ear.

Prominent ears, also called prominauris, is when the ears exceed the normal angle range and appear large. ⁽²⁾ It is often caused when certain structures of the ears–specifically the folds–do not get a chance to fully develop, or if cartilage is in excess when a person is born. The ear is almost fully developed after a patient is only 5 or 6 years old, so the surgery can be done at this point or later on–whatever works best for the patient and their situation. ⁽¹⁾ Our surgeons can use different techniques depending on whether a patient’s cartilage is newer and softer, or if their cartilage is older and more stiff. ⁽¹⁾

About 5% of the population experiences the issue of prominent ears, which can lead to the troublesome teasing or ridicule of younger patients and embarrassment for older patients. ⁽³⁾ These features can be altered or readjusted during an otoplasty at Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center. We will not simply alter them to any universal standard, but make sure to tailor the ears’ appearance to your facial structure and profile. For example, ear length usually follows the same length of the nose, and this can be slightly different for everybody. ⁽¹⁾

The ears are complex, vascular structures with many different nerves, which makes it important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in otoplasties, like the surgeons on our team at Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center in Miami. At our office, we use modern techniques that leave patients happier with their appearance and with minimal scarring that will fade over time.

Benefits

When patients with prominent ears receive an otoplasty at Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center, they can enjoy many benefits, including:

Candidates

If you have ears that are prominent, abnormally shaped, or different sizes, you may be a great candidate for an otoplasty procedure. Many candidates experience this issue as a result of genetic factors or are born with ears that did not have the chance to fully develop. However, we can also correct other ear deformities that may arise from an injury or other causes later in life. Candidates must be at least 5 or 6 years old, or have ears that are at least 90% developed. ⁽¹⁾ While a lot of candidates are younger when they receive an otoplasty, this kind of procedure can really be done at any point in life–whenever the individual decides that the time is right. When you come to Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center for your personal consultation, we will let you know if you are eligible for an otoplasty.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, our knowledgeable staff at Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center will make sure you are informed about what goes on during an otoplasty procedure. Your designated professional will examine your ear structure, the degree of prominence, and ear skin elasticity in order to determine a personalized procedural route. We will also need to know information about your medical history, current conditions, and medications at this time. This personal consultation is a crucial first step in making sure you receive a procedure that is aligned with your cosmetic goals.

To schedule your appointment today, call our office in Miami at (305) 901-2388 or fill out our contact form.

Preparation

Your Miracle Mile Cosmetic Center professional will make sure you feel sufficiently prepared to receive an otoplasty well before the day of your appointment. Some preparation steps we usually ask our patients to follow include:

Procedure

In our otoplasty procedure, our surgeons often use something called the Mustarde technique. ⁽¹⁾ This technique helps give the ear a fold in the area of the ear that might be too smooth or underdeveloped. Your surgeon will begin the procedure by making guiding markings for where the supportive sutures will go. After our team administers the appropriate anesthesia, your surgeon will make the incisions necessary to reposition or reshape the ear. Your surgeon may also use the Furnas technique, which is a technique that can reduce the appearance of excess cartilage in the outer ear by using sutures. There is another option to reduce cartilage appearance with the Davis technique, which actually removes some of the cartilage from the ear. ⁽¹⁾

Recovery

Every patient’s recovery from otoplasty will look slightly different. Typically, however, we will provide a special headband that you should wear throughout the early stages of your recovery. ⁽²⁾ Recovery should take about 6-8 weeks to complete, but this time range will be different depending on the experience of the patient. Your professional will advise that you sleep on your back, with your head elevated, and make sure to take adequate time to rest.

Results

After otoplasty, patients can enjoy the results of ears that are no longer prominent, abnormally shaped, or asymmetrical. Because of this aesthetic change, patients may feel more confident about their outward appearance, possibly even leading to an overall improved quality of life. Further, patients may feel like they have more styling options, now that they no longer feel the need to hide their ears with their hair or hats. The new ears will be closer to the head and have the folds of a typical ear with a reduced cartilage appearance. If just one ear is abnormal or bigger than the other, an otoplasty will result in more symmetrical ears.

Cost of an Otoplasty in Miami

For us to determine what your otoplasty will cost, we will need to carry out a comprehensive examination during a personal consultation. Every ear has different features and requires personally tailored solutions. We offer many financing options through Cherry, Alphaeon Credit, CareCredit, and PatientFi for your convenience. To schedule your personal consultation today, please call our Miami office at (305) 901-2388 or fill out our contact form.

FAQ

References

1. Kennedy KL, Katrib Z. Otoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538320/
2. Naumann A. Otoplasty – techniques, characteristics and risks. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc04. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199845/
3. Kajosaari L, Pennanen J, Klockars T. Otoplasty for prominent ears – demographics and surgical timing in different populations. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2017;100:52-56. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.06.014