Otoplasty restores harmony and balance to your face by correcting the shape, size, or position of your ears. Anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their ears may benefit from otoplasty.
Our surgeons at Southern ENT Associates in southern Louisiana not only specialize in facial plastic surgery but possess a keen eye for facial aesthetics. The goal of otoplasty is to make your ears blend naturally with the rest of your facial features.
What does otoplasty address?
We primarily see children and adult patients who have prominent ears. These are ears that stick out more than 2 centimeters from the side of the head. Underdevelopment of the antihelical fold causes most cases of prominent ears.
The antihelical fold keeps the top portion of the ear close to your head. When this fold fails to fully develop, it results in ears that protrude too far away from the side of the head.
Other issues otoplasty addresses include the following:
Bat ear
This occurs when the inner part of the ear grows at an angle instead of parallel. A malformation of cartilage during development is the primary cause of bat ears.
Cup ear
In patients with cup ears, the top part of the ear is either folded or wrinkled. In mild cases, the helix (rim of the upper ear) is folded. In more serious cases, the cartilage of the helix and the scalpa are malformed.
Cauliflower ear
This condition is common in patients who play contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, rugby, and mixed martial arts. Damage to the ear causes inflammation that causes the ear to appear lumpy, similar to the appearance of cauliflower.
Stretched ear lobes
Heavy earrings can stretch earlobes, even to the point of tearing. Otoplasty can restore the normal shape of your earlobes.
In some cases, patients deliberately expand their earlobes as a form of artistic self-expression. If your lifestyle changes and stretched earlobes no longer resonate with who you are, we can perform otoplasty to return your earlobes to a more normal shape.
Missing earlobes
We can construct new ears for patients who lack ears or earlobes due to injury or congenital malformation.
Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?
We perform otoplasty on children as young as 6, adolescents, and adults. Candidates must be in good health without surgical restrictions.
Otoplasty corrects many types of ear malformations. If you feel that you have odd-shaped ears, discuss your concerns with one of our highly trained surgeons.
How we perform otoplasty
Otoplasty involves reforming cartilage and tissue to reshape your ears. In many cases, we hide the incision behind your ear, leaving you without visible scars. Most of our patients tolerate the surgery well.
We wrap your head and ears in a bandage for two days. The pain is usually minimal, and we may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during the recovery process.
Otoplasty gives you natural-looking ears so you can be confident and feel good about your appearance. Otoplasty has a high satisfaction rate. Most patients report being extremely pleased with the results.
If the appearance of your ears is affecting your confidence, contact us at Southern ENT Associates to discuss how otoplasty can help you. Schedule your initial consultation at one of our seven offices located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, and Youngsville, Louisiana.