The position, size, or shape of the ears can draw more attention than you would like when they sit out prominently from the head or appear noticeably different from one another. Cosmetic ear surgery in Chicago, commonly called otoplasty, can reshape or reposition the outer ear while preserving its natural character. Our facial plastic surgery team at Northwestern Plastic Surgery includes Marco Ellis, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive care of the face and body and has completed fellowship training in craniofacial surgery.
What Can Cosmetic Ear Surgery Change?
Otoplasty changes the outer ear. It is not a procedure for treating hearing loss. Otoplasty can be considered for several concerns involving the visible portion of the ear. Depending on your anatomy, surgery may:
- Bring prominent ears closer to the head
- Reshape poorly defined cartilage folds
- Improve disproportionately large ears
- Correct certain structural differences
- Improve noticeable asymmetry
- Restore shape after injury or previous surgery
Who May Be a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Healthy teens and adults may consider ear surgery when a specific feature has bothered them for years or when they want to improve the result of an earlier operation. Younger children can also undergo otoplasty in certain circumstances once the ears have developed enough for surgery and the child can participate in postoperative care.
General health and healing ability matter as well. Nicotine use can interfere with wound healing, so smoking and other forms of nicotine should be discussed before an operation.
Age alone does not determine candidacy. The decision also depends on ear development, anatomy, medical history, and the changes you hope to make.
How Is Ear Surgery Performed?
There is no single otoplasty technique that fits every ear. When the ears protrude, for example, cartilage may be reshaped or repositioned to create a more natural fold and bring the ear closer to the head.
Incisions are often placed behind the ears, where the resulting scars are less conspicuous. When access from the front is necessary, an incision may be positioned within a natural crease.
Anesthesia can vary depending on age, the extent of correction, and other factors. As with our other cosmetic procedures, the operative plan is based on your anatomy rather than a standard formula.
What Is Recovery Like After Otoplasty?
Dressings are usually placed around the ears after surgery to protect them and support their new position during the first stage of healing. Swelling, tenderness, and discomfort are expected early on.
Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work, school, exercise, and other activities. You will also receive instructions about protecting the ears from pressure while they heal. Our patient resources contain additional information about preparing for an operation and caring for yourself afterward.
Changes in ear position may be noticeable once the initial dressings are removed, although swelling takes additional time to settle. Scars are typically concealed behind the ear or within natural folds.
As with any operation, risks can include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, healing problems, noticeable scarring, anesthesia complications, or the need for another procedure. Your surgeon will review the risks that are most relevant to you before you decide whether to proceed.
Why Choose Northwestern Plastic Surgery for Ear Surgery in Chicago?
Otoplasty involves small structural details that can influence the balance of the entire face. Dr. Marco Ellis is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose background includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face as well as fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and microsurgery.
That training gives him a strong understanding of facial structure and the cartilage, soft tissue, and proportions involved in ear surgery. During consultation, the goal is to understand what you would like changed and determine what can reasonably be accomplished with your anatomy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty
Otoplasty reshapes or repositions the visible outer ear. It does not involve the structures responsible for hearing and is not intended to treat hearing loss.
Yes, in some cases. Even when one side is the main concern, your surgeon will examine both ears so the surgical plan takes their natural differences into account.
Previous surgery does not automatically prevent another operation. Scar tissue, cartilage changes, your current anatomy, and the result you would like to improve all need to be evaluated before revision is considered.
Changes made to the cartilage are intended to last for many years. Aging, injury, and individual healing can still affect the ears over time.
Putting pressure on the ears too soon can interfere with early healing. Your surgeon will tell you when side sleeping is appropriate based on how your ears are recovering.
Find Out What Ear Surgery Could Change for You
If the shape or position of your ears has been a long-standing concern, a consultation can help you understand what changes may be realistic for your anatomy. Contact us at Northwestern Plastic Surgery or call 312-695-6022 to meet with Dr. Marco Ellis in Chicago and discuss your goals.