Ear Surgery

You’ve probably heard that your nose keeps growing as you age—but did you know your ears do, too? If it seems like your ears sit lower than they used to, the reality is that cartilage never stops growing. Plus, if you like wearing heavy earrings, these can further stretch out your ears over the years and make even cartilage-free lobes look bigger. RefinedMD combines world-class facial cosmetic surgery with premium dermatological non-invasive procedures to give you the results you really want. This comprehensive approach gives you a one-stop shop for all of your facial aesthetic needs in a fun, safe environment. Learn more about double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sudeep Roy today.

There are three primary types of “ear surgeries,” including otoplasty, earlobe reduction surgery, and earlobe repairs (most common when an earring tears the skin).

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Otoplasty

Otoplasty is the technical term for cosmetic ear surgery. In most cases, otoplasty can be achieved with a single incision hidden behind the ear and only requires a local anaesthetic. This procedure permanently alters the contours of the ear for the desired effect, using absorbable sutures that match your skin tone. The procedure can include “pinning” the ears to address issues where the ears stick out too far. In cases where ear cartilage is treated, ear dressings are worn for two days. Next, a headband must be worn for about four days around the clock. Patients continue wearing the headband when they sleep for five weeks.

Ears should be fully developed before a patient considers otoplasty, which usually occurs when a person is about five years old. Although most patients are children when they undergo the surgery, you can certainly opt for otoplasty later in life. Results are permanent, natural, and can make a big difference in boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Earlobe Reduction Surgery

Earlobe reduction surgery can reshape the ears and even repair holes or gauges that are over-stretched. The ear accouterments that worked for you years ago might not compliment who you are today, and even though you can remove ear jewelry, you can’t change the ear or gauge holes without surgical intervention. However, ear surgery isn’t only for those with earring injuries or who prefer a “re-sizing” of the holes. Ears come in all shapes and sizes, and some people naturally have larger ears or longer earlobes than others. Earlobes tend to enlarge with aging, as well. If your ears make you self-conscious, earlobe reduction surgery is quick, relatively easy, and boasts minimal recovery time.

Earlobe reduction surgery usually only requires a local anaesthetic. Patients are fully awake during this fast procedure but don’t feel anything. In total, the procedure takes about one hour. Some patients like to combine earlobe reduction surgery with additional procedures, such as a face or neck lift, which of course will lengthen surgery and recovery time but also offers dramatic youth-restoring results.

One of the many perks of an earlobe reduction surgery is that since the ear has so many natural crevices, it’s easy to hide the tiny scars. The incision marks are virtually invisible after healing, and sutures are removed in just seven days. You can start wearing light earrings a few weeks after surgery depending on the severity of the repair. In cases where earring holes were torn or gauging took place, the great news is that any scarring can be easily hidden as new, smaller earring holes (if you’d like).

Ear Lobe Repair

If you do have an earring hole that’s ripped, torn, or you used to have gauged ears that you’d now like to close, ear surgery can help. A damaged earlobe can make it impossible to wear your favorite jewelry or give you concerns about showing your ears. Earlobe repair surgery is just as quick as an earlobe reduction surgery. In some cases, the tear may need to be sutured together, and sometimes excess skin will need to be removed. Dr. Roy works with you to re-define the shape and structure of your ears so you can rock that ponytail or earrings with confidence.

Ear Surgery, Recovery, and Next Steps

Does Ear Surgery Hurt or Require Downtime?

Pain from otoplasty is generally limited and well-tolerated. Most patients only use prescribed pain medication for the first few days and then transition to over-the-counter therapies. Pain is usually most prominent after 3-5 days, when swelling and inflammation peaks. A soft diet, head of the bed elevation, sleeping on your back and avoidance of resting on the operated ears generally help minimize pain.

Earlobes aren’t very sensitive compared to other parts of the ear. This means they tolerate surgery very well (and it’s also why piercing your earlobes is much less painful than cartilage piercings). However, patients who are worried about the procedure may be a candidate for light sedation along with the local anaesthetic. Talk to Dr. Roy about your concerns and goals, and you’ll be ensured a fantastic experience with the results you deserve.

Are you interested in learning more about earlobe reduction, repair, or otoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roy today and get on the fast track to regaining your confidence.

Should I Get Ear Surgery?

Outer ear surgeries are almost always cosmetic but can work wonders when it comes to increasing self-esteem or helping you wear the jewelry you like. One of the most common types of otoplasty is “pinning” the ears, which will stop them from sticking out in what is sometimes considered an unpleasant manner. This quick procedure can immediately restore a person’s self-esteem.

Earlobe reduction surgery is another procedure often used to boost self-esteem. Some people avoid wearing earrings or ponytails because they think their earlobes look too big. When this is the case, earlobe reduction surgery can be freeing and help patients be themselves.

Of course, earlobe repair surgery to fix torn or over-gauged ear holes also helps with self-image while allowing patients to wear the jewelry they currently love. Anyone who struggles with the appearance of their ears or has sustained damage to them over the years can benefit from earlobe surgery. Adults of all ages may be good candidates, and in some cases (especially with earlobe repairs), youth and children may also be good candidates.

Procedures that Complement Ear Surgery

Dr. Roy specializes in a range of facial cosmetic surgeries. If you’ve been considering a facelift, combining it with earlobe surgery can be a good choice. Facelift incision marks are hidden in the crevices around the ear, making these two procedures especially complementary. If you’re considering otoplasty for a more balanced face, rhinoplasty can help in these efforts. However, there are also non-surgical procedures that can optimize earlobe surgery results.

The primary goal of earlobe surgery is to look and feel your best. RefinedMD features a variety of non-surgical dermatological treatments to help in this regard, including dermal fillers, laser skin rejuvenation, facials, Dermalinfusion, and more. Since earlobe surgery is so quick, it’s possible to further treat yourself and pair this procedure with one of RefinedMD’s many non-surgical treatments.

Contact Dr. Sudeep Roy at RefinedMD

Your face is the first impression to the world. Ear surgery can make a huge difference, giving you the confidence you deserve to put your best face forward. You only want to trust the best in facial cosmetic surgeries with this decision, and working with double board certified Dr. Sudeep Roy guarantees flawless, natural-looking results. Here, you can also indulge and pair ear surgery with a range of additional procedures to achieve the ultimate results.