Ear Correction / Otoplasty: Case 4 (Client ID: 2070466)

Description

This 13 year old young woman and her mother consulted Dr. Graham after researching plastic surgeons to perform her ear pinning (otoplasty). This cosmetic surgery establishes a more desirable ear appearance. She didn't like how much her ears protruded from her head. They had been that way her entire life. As you can see from the pre-operative photos, her ears are generally well formed, with a complete outer rim (helix) and earlobe (lobule). The bowl-like base (concha) does curve gently away from the adjacent skull. The other issue is the anti-helical fold. This is a natural curve between the concha and the rim, and in her case it is not fully developed. One of the goals of the procedure is to bend this fold more completely, establishing a more natural appearing angle. This maneuver make the ear angle back closer to the head. The other surgical step is to remove a portion of the conchal cartilage, which also helps the ear angle closer to the head. This out patient surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. Recovery consists of wearing an elastic headband for three or more weeks while the cartilage heals. It can be done on children older than 6 or anyone else. Many patients are young teens, and others are adults. The photos are taken about 8 months after the procedure.

Patient Profile

Age

13 years

Gender

female

Reason for Undergoing Treatment

prominent ears