Enhance your child’s appearance and confidence with otoplasty, a procedure that corrects prominent or misshapen ears. Dr. Stephen Lu, our skilled plastic surgeon at the Pennsylvania Institute for Plastic Surgery, provides personalized care to help children achieve natural, balanced ear contours, boosting both aesthetics and self-esteem.
Reshape or reposition your child’s ears
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions overly prominent, misshapen, or asymmetrical ears. It is commonly performed on children, often around age five or older, after the ears have fully developed. The goal is to create more balanced and natural-looking ears, enhancing both appearance and confidence. If your child is self-conscious about their ears or facing teasing, otoplasty can offer a lasting solution. Dr. Lu provides individualized care to ensure your child’s well-being throughout the process.
Otoplasty treats:
- Prominent or protruding ears
- Misshapen ears from birth defects
- Asymmetrical ears
- Large or overly thick ears
- Ear deformities caused by injury or trauma
- Ears that appear out of proportion to the face
- Discomfort or self-consciousness related to ear appearance
- Chronic irritation from ear pinning or ear prominence
Candidacy for otoplasty
Otoplasty is suitable for children and adults who are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears, particularly if they are overly prominent or misshapen. During your consultation, Dr. Lu will assess your child’s ear structure, overall health, and any specific concerns. He will discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and ensure your child’s ears have fully developed, usually around age 5. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Lu will determine if otoplasty is the right option and guide you through the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Advantages of otoplasty:
- Improved ear shape and symmetry
- Boosted self-esteem and confidence
- Permanent results with minimal maintenance
- Safe, well-established procedure with high success rates
- Suitable for children and adults alike
- Quick recovery time with minimal scarring
- Ability to address both congenital and traumatic ear deformities
- Non-invasive alternative to ear pinning or non-surgical treatments
The otoplasty procedure
The otoplasty procedure begins with a consultation with Dr. Lu, who will evaluate your child’s ear structure and discuss their aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on their age and preference.
Dr. Lu will make incisions behind the ear or within the natural folds to minimize visible scarring. He will then reposition the ear cartilage and reshape it to correct any prominence, asymmetry, or deformities. In some cases, sutures may be used to secure the ear in its new position. The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours. Once the ear is repositioned, Dr. Lu will close the incisions with fine sutures and apply a soft, supportive dressing to the ears.
Recovery from otoplasty
After otoplasty, a soft bandage will be placed around your child’s ears to support healing. Dr. Lu will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the ears, including keeping the bandage in place for the first few days and avoiding activities that could put pressure on them. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal and usually subside within a few days.
Your child can resume regular activities within 5-7 days. However, strenuous physical activities should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing. Dr. Lu will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. While initial results will be visible shortly after surgery, the final, fully settled results will appear after 3-6 months as swelling subsides. With proper care, your child will enjoy natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
Otoplasty FAQs
What age is best for my child to have otoplasty?
The ideal age for otoplasty is typically around 5 to 6 years old, after the ears have fully developed but before your child starts school. This allows your child to avoid potential teasing. However, otoplasty can be performed at any age, depending on individual circumstances. Dr. Lu will assess your child’s ear development and determine the best timing for the procedure.
Are there scars after otoplasty?
Scarring is minimal with otoplasty, as the incisions are typically made behind the ears, where they are hidden from view. Dr. Lu uses fine sutures to close the incisions, which helps minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable.
When can my child return to school or regular activities?
Most children can return to school or light activities within 5 to 7 days after the procedure. However, strenuous activities or sports should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks to prevent putting pressure on the ears and to allow the healing process to proceed smoothly.
Meet Dr. Stephen Lu
Dr. Stephen Lu is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and pediatric procedures. Trained with leading experts, he combines world-class skills with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. Dr. Lu is known for providing personalized care, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met with the utmost attention and expertise. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lu today to discuss how he can help enhance your child’s ear appearance and confidence.
