Ear Surgery in Baltimore, MD

Our ears rarely attract attention when normal in size or shape. When the ears protrude outward, are large or misshapen, they can attract unwanted attention, causing anxiety and insecurity. Dr. Woodyard performs plastic surgery of the ear (otoplasty) on Baltimore patients to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. This is the most common form of ear surgery, and can be performed as early as age 5 or 6. The results of otoplasty are immediately apparent once the supportive dressings are removed. In general, ear surgery creates a natural shape, while creating balance to the face.

The technique used during ear surgery will depend on the abnormality. First, there may be an insufficient fold of the ear cartilage or too much cartilage where the ear canal starts. Both issues will cause the ear to protrude outward. In some cases, the ears may appear too large. Regardless of the condition, the cartilage will usually be addressed and either removed and/or reshaped. Then, the cartilage will be secured with sutures into a new position closer to the head. The incision is generally placed within the natural folds of the ear or behind the ear so scarring is not an issue.

Most otoplasties are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The entire surgery typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete and soreness quickly subsides in a few days. After surgery, patients wear a protective head dressing for a week. This may be followed by the use of a headband while sleeping for several weeks. Younger patients will need to be monitored so they do not touch or play with their ears during the healing process.

The results following an otoplasty procedure are long lasting. However, just like any other cosmetic procedure, aging and gravity may cause increased laxity. This could eventually affect the position of the ears. For the most part, the improvements made with this surgery are still significant.

Children between the ages of 5-7 are considered within the ideal range for this surgery. From an anatomical standpoint, the cartilage is still soft and will be easier to remold and manipulate. From a psychological standpoint, having this surgery before starting elementary school can help avoid teasing and ridicule from classmates.

In the majority of cases, both ears are affected. Therefore, surgery is performed on both ears. However, there may sometimes be an abnormality in just one ear. If this is the case, surgery will be performed on the affected ear, which will be made to match the opposite ear.