Can Ear Surgery Make My Ears Smaller?

If you or your child are bothered by large, protruding, or asymmetrical ears, Dr. Rankin and his team at NorCal Plastic Surgery can help. Ear surgery can change the size and position of your ears to achieve your goals. This procedure can have significant effects on your confidence and self-esteem. 

What is Ear Surgery or Otoplasty?

Ear surgery reshapes or resizes the cartilage of your ears. Ears contain cartilage instead of bone, making them more flexible. When repositioned, cartilage will hold its new position to provide long-lasting results. Otoplasty is performed on adults and children over the age of five when the ears have fully developed. 

Can Ear Surgery Make My Ears Smaller?

Ear surgery can change your ears in several ways. One of the most common forms is ear pinning, which adjusts the ears to lay closer to the head. This can make them appear smaller and less noticeable. Ear pinning surgery often achieves the results people desire since the ears only look abnormally large due to their protruding position. 

Otoplasty can also correct large or asymmetrical ears, a procedure called ear reduction. It works by removing excess cartilage and recreating the normal shape of the ear. This procedure should be performed by a skilled plastic surgeon with extensive experience in producing natural-looking results.

How is Ear Surgery Performed?

Dr. Rankin performs otoplasty under general anesthetic at an accredited surgical facility in Tiburon or Walnut Creek. If performing the procedure on a child, extra efforts will be made to ensure their comfort and emotional well-being throughout. 

Dr. Rankin makes incisions during otoplasty to access the ear cartilage, often behind the ear. During ear surgery, he may remove cartilage or skin and secure the cartilage in a new position. He may also reshape the cartilage to change the shape or size of the ears. 

What is Recovery Like After Otoplasty?

You or your child will have bandages over the ears for a few days after the procedure. You will receive a protective headband for the first week while your ears heal. Avoid sleeping you your side and use caution while pulling clothes on and off over your head. We recommend avoiding contact sports for up to three months.

Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Almost anyone concerned with the appearance of their ears makes a good candidate for otoplasty. Children over five have fully developed ears and can usually have ear surgery, especially if their ears cause distress. Adults also make good candidates, especially if they have reasonable expectations and are in good health. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in ear surgery, please reach out to our qualified staff to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Walnut Creek and Tiburon. Schedule your consultation with NorCal Plastic Surgery by calling our East Bay location at (925) 966-3920 or our North Bay location at (415) 727-9666, or by filling out the consultation request form below. Helping you achieve your cosmetic goals is an honor and a privilege at NorCal Plastic Surgery, proudly serving the East Bay, Marin County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to hearing from you soon!