Otoplasty, or ear surgery, refers to procedures for correcting deformities of the external ear and for reconstructing a defective, deformed, or absent external ear due to congenital conditions and trauma. Ear surgery can treat various conditions such as protruding ears, an adult dissatisfied with a previous ear surgery (revision surgery) or overly large ears (a condition called macrotia).

Ear plastic surgery (cosmetic ear surgery) improves the shape, position or proportion of the ears by creating a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Big or protruding ears can be corrected with ear reduction, ear tuck surgery, or pinnaplasty (pinning ears back). Oftentimes the correction of even minor deformities provides profound improvement to one’s appearance and self-esteem.

Cauliflower ear  (boxer’s ear, wrestler’s ear), an acquired deformity of the outer ear, is usually due to blunt ear trauma. When the ear’s cartilage is injured, a disruption of blood supply occurs, often forming a large pocket of blood or hematoma.  As the injury heals the ear can shrivel up and fold in on itself, appearing pale, and cauliflower-like.

Ear reconstruction surgery and earlobe reconstruction surgery are procedures used to correct an absent external ear.  Earlobe reconstruction surgery (earlobe surgery) targets earlobe repair and corrects a torn earlobe or split earlobe.

During most common otoplasty procedures, top New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Zubowski will make a small incision into the natural crease behind the ear to expose the cartilage. Then the doctor will sculpt and shape the ear by molding the cartilage to the desired shape and distance from the scalp. The ear reshaping procedure generally takes about two hours and can be performed under sedation, although general anesthesia is often used, particularly for younger children. A light dressing similar to a headband will be applied for the first week and then only at bedtime for the next few weeks. Typically, your ears should show visible improvement within two to three weeks.


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