American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Ear Surgery

Otoplasty

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, improves the shape, position and proportion of the ear. It can correct a birth defect of the ear structure.

Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?

Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

  • Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
  • Generally 5 years old, or when a child's ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
  • Cooperative and follow instructions well
  • Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery
  • Nonsmokers

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.



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