Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

The surgical procedure used to correct misshapen, asymmetrical, or protruding ears is called otoplasty. It is a cosmetic procedure that helps improve facial symmetry and achieve facial balance. 

Prominent or misshapen ears can cause emotional distress for both adults and children. Fortunately, otoplasty is a simple surgical procedure that helps reshape the ears and enhance their overall cosmetic appearance.

Dr. Greco's surgical center is licensed to perform otoplasty and other facial procedures on patients 15 years and older.

Ideal Candidate for Otoplasty

Otoplasty can be performed on patients who struggle with the following:

  • Malformed ear cartilage or overly large ears
  • Split earlobe deformity caused by trauma or allergic reactions to earrings
  • Stretched earlobes caused by heavy earrings
  • Large pendulous earlobes caused due to age
  • Ears projecting more than 2 cm from the sides of the head

What to Expect During Otoplasty Procedure

Before the procedure, you will have a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Greco. He will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam of your ears, and discuss your expectations and concerns. 

Otoplasty techniques can vary based on the type of modification needed. Dr. Greco will make an incision either behind your ears to remove excess cartilage and skin. 

The cartilage is then folded into its proper position and held in place with internal stitches. Additional stitches will be used to close the incisions. The whole procedure takes about two hours and is performed under conscious sedation (twilight anesthesia).

The surgeon will place bandages at the site of surgery, which will be taken off the next day. Some swelling is expected and normal after otoplasty. Sutures used to close the incision will be taken out around two weeks after surgery.

You will most likely be required to wear a headband over your ears, especially at night, to prevent injury to the ears during sleep. Dr. Greco will give you important aftercare instructions on post-surgery cleaning and care of your ears.

Split Earlobe Repair

Split or elongated earlobe is a condition that may be caused by the long-term use of heavy earrings or flesh tunnels that stretch the earlobes. Another cause for an earlobe tear could be accidental tugging on the earlobe when an earring gets caught in clothing or other material.

A split earlobe repair surgery (lobuloplasty) can help in such situations. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes any excess tissue and uses fine, dissolvable stitches to join the split earlobe.

Recovery after a split earlobe repair is usually quick. It is safe to consider re-piercing your earlobe about 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Care should be taken that re-piercing should occur next to the repair site and not on it, to avoid the recurrence of the split earlobe. 

Earlobe Rejuvenation

As with other areas of the face, earlobes, too, can change with age. They lose volume and become deflated, resulting in fine wrinkles.  A simple, in-office procedure where an injectable filler, such as RHA3 or JUVÉDERM®, can plump up the earlobes. This procedure can partially correct an enlarged piercing. The results of earlobe augmentation with filler may last up to one year because the earlobe is not involved with any significant movement caused by facial expressions.

Otoplasty Procedures in Philadelphia

Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon, skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto). 

Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you're looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help!

Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. For appointments, call (610) 664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.

2 Bala Plaza | 333 E. City Ave
Suite PL-15
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone (610) 664-8830
Fax (610) 664-8812

Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
Sat & Sun Closed

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