Ear Shaping

If you feel unhappy about your ears it can take all the enjoyment out of life.

Mickel Plastic Surgery can help

Why Consider Ear Shaping?

Ear Shaping, or Otoplasty, is an operation that re-shapes the ear to give it a more normal appearance. It is usually done to fold back ears that stick out too far. Otoplasty or ear shaping is one of the most gratifying operations that I do. These patients can be extremely shy and self-conscious about their appearance and are frequently the object of teasing and practical jokes because of their ears. Not only will otoplasty or ear shaping allow a little girl to wear her hair back or a little boy to wear his hair short, but it can often be a personality enhancing, life-changing event.

Otoplasty or ear shaping is an elegant operation that involves an inconspicuous incision behind the ear to expose the abnormally shaped cartilage, which is then re-shaped by a combination of techniques that involve trimming, scratching or suturing. The goal is to fold the ear back to a normal position and to make both ears look about the same. Ideally, the operation is performed before a child starts first grade – at about age 5 – but it can be done anytime after this. In fact, one of my happiest patients was a 67-year-old grandmother who underwent otoplasty because her ears protruded through her wet hair when she went swimming with her grandchildren!

Otoplasty or ear shaping is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour per ear. I use a protective head dressing that stays on for 5 days after surgery. Healing is rapid and most patients can resume their normal everyday activities in about a week – as long as they use some common sense and protect their ears. Contact sports (wrestling, basketball, football, etc) should be avoided for 6 weeks. Otoplasty is a great operation. Complications are few and minor, while patient satisfaction is high.

As predictable and successful as this operation has become, the unfortunate reality is that every trip to the ballpark, the grocery or to a child’s birthday party reminds you of how often this deformity goes unrepaired. The tragedy is that for less than the cost of a 4-wheeler or a weekend trip to Disney World the problem can be surgically corrected forever.

Best experience ever. Best doctor. Dr. Mickel has a great bedside manner and made my daughter feel more comfortable than I could have asked for. His work is superb. I had my daughters ears reshaped and she is like a new kid!!

Maddie

Before and After Photos of Ear Shaping

Seeing is believing. Click the link above to view a selection of Ear Shaping Before and After Photos from patients who have allowed us to share their before and after photos on our web site. If you choose Mickel Plastic Surgery, we will select additional before and after images from our large selection of plastic surgery patient photos for you to study as you consider your options. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to see the possibilities of Ear Shaping in Monroe, LA.