Ear Reshaping in Birmingham

Ear reshaping, technically referred to as otoplasty, corrects protruding, large or abnormally shaped ears. While adults can benefit from otoplasty, the surgery is generally recommended for children prior to entering school to limit potential teasing and because the still developing cartilage is more receptive to contouring and reshaping.

In otoplasty, ear cartilage is reshaped to position your ears closer to your head, usually accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears, concealed in the natural skin crease. In some cases, especially in ears that need to be reduced in size or are protruding in the middle portion of the ear, incisions to the front of the ear are necessary. Usually these are placed in areas where they will heal in a more inconspicuous manner.

Through the incision the cartilage will be trimmed and shaped into a more desirable form and then pinned back with permanent sutures. If necessary, some cartilage and skin may be removed to achieve the right effect, though in some surgeries sutures are all that is required to permanently hold the ear in place.

Is Otoplasty Right for You?

For some children, the schoolyard can be a cruel place, especially if they have features making them noticeably "different" from the other children. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping, and the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement. Adults who did not have the benefit of such reconstruction as children can rebuild self-confidence with the procedure.

Otoplasty may be an option for you if you or your child have:

• protruding ears
• abnormally large ears
• strangely shaped ears
• cupped ears

Dr. Ruthie will help you make the final decision on whether Ear Reshaping is right for you or your child; however, the best candidates are usually five or six years of age (though adults can still benefit from the procedure), in good health, have enough ear tissue for reshaping and no immune deficiencies that would inhibit normal healing.

Your Visit with Dr. Ruthie

During your consultation, Dr. Ruthie will examine the structure of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting the problems. Even if only one ear needs "pinning back," surgery will probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the most natural, symmetrical appearance.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your or your child's medical history, including information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries and any medications currently taken.