Rian A. Maercks, M.D., P.A., American Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, is an artist and a leading aesthetic, craniofacial, and reconstructive plastic surgeon, based in Miami, Florida. His private practice, The Maercks Institute, is located in the beautiful Design District and is fully equipped with a tastefully designed office and an AAAHC qualified operating room. Dr. Maercks has spoken on many panels and given numerous lectures, domestically and internationally, regarding his unique breast augmentation procedure, which has brought in a large number of patients from all over the world. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Maercks discusses how an otoplasty surgery can improve your ear size and help restore your confidence.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockWhat is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure to improve the look of the ears, altering their projection, size, and shape. Ear pinning can help place the gaze back on the eyes and the smile, creating a positive first impression that is harmonious and inviting. The surgery can help restore confidence and security in adults and children alike, making it possible to wear your hairstyle of choice instead of having to hide the ears.

Dr. Maercks is dedicated to delivering natural-looking outcomes that are seamlessly integrated with your existing facial structures. Ideally, the ears will draw no attention to themselves in terms of the overall appearance of the head. Surgery is customized to each patient’s unique goals, aesthetic preferences, and comfort levels.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

Otoplasty typically involves adjusting the cartilage within the ears to give them a more pleasing shape. Sutures can be used to rotate protruding ears so that they lie flush against the head. Incisions are well-hidden within the folds of the ears and tend to fade over time.

Ear surgery takes around 1-2 hours. Local anesthesia with sedation can be used for most adults and older teens, but children have the option to undergo surgery with general anesthesia so that they will be completely asleep during the entire process.

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

● Reshapes ears that protrude from the head
● Creates ears that are balanced with the other features
● Improves self-confidence
● Long-lasting results
● Natural-looking final appearance

Photo Credit: ShutterstockWho is a good candidate for ear surgery?

Among the chief concerns of clients seeking otoplasty are:

● Protruding ears
● Overly large ears
● Ear asymmetry
● Poor results from a previous otoplasty
● Congenital deformities

Patients undergoing surgery should be non-smokers in good mental and physical health who do not have any serious medical conditions that might interfere with their procedure or its recovery. A positive, realistic attitude towards the outcome of surgery is invaluable and is a requirement for anyone choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

Otoplasty can be performed on children 5 years old and up, as long as their ears have finished growing. Once the child reaches 5, their cartilage is strong enough to sustain sutures. The child will need to be assessed for their willingness to follow instructions and be cooperative with their recovery.

What will recovery entail?

After surgery, dressings are placed over the ears and remain in place for several days. Pain medications and ibuprofen can be used to help relieve any discomfort. At night, a protective headband may be required to help maintain the new ear shape. Clients usually return to work or school within about a week. Exercise can be resumed within 3-4 weeks.