Though the ears are a frequently overlooked feature, they can be a source of self-consciousness for those who feel their ears are not a flattering shape or size. Perhaps you worry that your ears protrude too much, and you avoid short hairstyles or updos as a result. Maybe you worry that your earlobes are too large or hang too low, and you refuse to wear earrings for fear of drawing attention to them. If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your ears, but you aren’t sure what your options are, you might be a good candidate for ear surgery (otoplasty).

Dr. Wilson DuMornay is a knowledgeable, board-certified otolaryngologist and ENT surgeon with years of experience performing otoplasty and other surgical procedures related to the face, head and neck. If you’re interested in ear surgery at Broward ENT & Aesthetics, we invite you to call for a consultation at our beautiful facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Pretreatment Consultation and Instructions

During your consultation, Dr. DuMornay will review your medical history and go over pretreatment instructions to ensure a successful procedure. This appointment may include:

  • A physical examination of your ears to determine size, shape and placement
  • An overview of the possible risk factors associated with otoplasty
  • A discussion about any past history of ear infections

Dr. DuMornay will also speak to you about your expectations from the procedure to ensure they align with what can be realistically achieved. If you are using certain supplements or medications, such as blood thinners, you may be instructed to stop using them prior to the procedure. You will also be advised to stop smoking before surgery and during recovery, if applicable, as smoking can slow the healing process by decreasing blood flow in the skin.

About Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a cosmetic ear surgery designed to change the position, shape, symmetry or size of your ears. Often, otoplasty is performed on patients who are unhappy with how far their ears stick out, or on those who feel their ears are too large in comparison to their head. Otoplasty may also be conducted on patients whose ears are misshapen, either due to a birth abnormality or from an injury, or to correct a previous ear surgery gone awry.

Otoplasty affects only the appearance of the ears. It will not impact the way you hear and cannot change the location of your ears. Otoplasty can be done at any age, so long as your ears have grown to their full size. Ear surgery is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can be performed on children as young as five because it is safe and can have a life-changing influence on the patient’s confidence.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Depending upon the specifics of the procedure, otoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia. There are various techniques for ear surgery. Dr. DuMornay will select the appropriate technique based on the concerns and goals you discuss during your consultation. With any technique, he will select the incision area carefully to minimize the risk of visible scarring. Possible incision areas include the backs of the ears or the inner creases.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. DuMornay can access the underlying cartilage and tissue, which he may trim, adjust or reposition. If necessary, he will pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to support and secure the new ear contour.

Otoplasty takes one to two hours for a lifetime of results. You will need to make plans for someone to drive you home after your surgery. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, it’s recommended that you have someone stay with you for the evening following the procedure.

Risks and Side Effects

Otoplasty is recognized as a safe, modern procedure, but as is the case with any surgery, it is not risk-free. Possible risks and side effects include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • An allergic reaction to surgical tapes or materials
  • Changes in skin sensation in the surgical area

Please contact our office if you experience an adverse reaction or have any concerns following your procedure.

Posttreatment Instructions

Immediately following your surgery, your ears will be covered in bandages, which will provide support and protection. You may take pain medication to ease any discomfort after the procedure. Mild discomfort and itching are the most commonly reported side effects following otoplasty.

Take care to protect your ears in the weeks after your surgery. Try sleeping on your back or stomach as opposed to on your sides to alleviate pressure on your ears. Since rubbing against your ears may be painful, you may prefer to wear large-collared or button-down shirts that do not have to be pulled down tightly over your head. Dr. DuMornay will monitor your healing progress and let you know when it is safe for you to resume physical activity, such as exercise.

When your bandages are removed, it is likely your ears will appear red and swollen. A loose-fitting headband will be given to you to wear at night for two to six weeks, which will help your ears from pulling forward when you roll over or change positions. If you do not have dissolving stitches, they will be removed in the office in the weeks following your surgery.

Otoplasty Results

Otoplasty has many benefits for those seeking to improve the appearance of their ears. In addition to reducing self-consciousness and restoring confidence, ear surgery can help to:

  • Reduce protrusion
  • Enhance symmetry
  • Correct misshapen ears
  • Resize and reposition the ears to fit proportionally with the head and facial features

The initial results of your otoplasty will be visible immediately, although the final results won’t be evident until the postsurgical swelling fully resolves. Mature scars will be thin, faded and barely noticeable. Ear surgery provides lifelong results.

Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics

At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, we believe you should feel confident in your body, even the parts that are often ignored. Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Wilson DuMornay has extensive experience transforming imbalanced ears into natural-looking and proportionate facial features. If large or protruding ears have harmed your confidence, contact us to schedule an otoplasty consultation and learn more about this life-changing procedure. You can reach our Fort Lauderdale office at (954) 368-3348 or online to book your appointment.

Schedule a consultation today!