Why are my ears so prominent?

Prominent ears are typically caused by a cartilage framework that is oriented in a way that causes the ear to protrude. Frequently, there is a lack of certain folds that bring the ear in closer to the side of the head. Other times, there may be excess cartilage pushing the ear out away from the head. These cartilaginous features are actually inherited genetically and can be passed from either parent.

Protruding or prominent ears can have a significant psychological impact on both the child and adult. Children, especially boys who have shorter hair, may become self-aware of this issue upon introduction to school. They may be teased by their peers, which sometimes leads to issues of insecurity and low self-esteem.

What can be done for prominent ears?

Otoplasty is a procedure performed to correct protruding and prominent ears. Typically, an incision is made behind the ear that is well camouflaged and the cartilage is reshaped using suturing techniques and sculpting maneuvers. Older patients may need to have the “memory” removed from the cartilage so that it does not warp back to its previous position. Children’s cartilage is quite pliable and malleable and typically remains in place after reshaping.

Why should I have my Otoplasty done by a facial plastic surgeon?

Drs. Bressler and Funk are both board certified Otolaryngologists or ENT’s and therefore have extensive training in ear surgery. In addition to being ENT’s, they are facial plastic surgeons and understand the complexity of the ear, its anatomy, proportions, and aesthetic features. Combining these two levels of training (ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery) makes them extremely qualified to be performing otoplasty.

In addition, Dr. Funk completed his facial plastic surgery fellowship in Toronto. Canada treats protruding/prominent ears as a congenital malformation and, therefore, otoplasty is covered by insurance. This allowed Dr. Funk to perform countless numbers of otoplasties on patients under 18 years of age which has given him extensive experience in this procedure and its nuances.

What is Incisionless Otoplasty?

Incisionless otoplasty is a technique performed by Dr. Funk that reshapes the ear using suturing maneuvers only. It is not commonly performed by many surgeons and is quite a novel procedure. There is no incision in the skin and the sutures (stitches) are hidden underneath the skin. This can be performed in certain cases depending on the cause of the prominent/protruding ears.

It is an ideal procedure for the child as there is significantly less postoperative pain, decreased operating and anesthesia time, and no stitches that need to be removed. Patients get an excellent result without many of the postoperative concerns.

At what age can my child have his/her ears corrected?

Eighty-five percent of the child’s ear has grown by three years of age. The majority of the ears’ growth is complete by six years of age. Otoplasty is applicable and safe in children at age five. They are beginning to have self-awareness at this stage and are entering a critical stage in their life with peer interaction at school.

What is the recovery time for Otoplasty?

The procedure itself takes approximately two hours and the patient is able to go home the same day with a turban-like dressing. That dressing is removed the following day and the head is redraped lightly for one to three days. A headband is worn for two weeks and then only at night for an additional two weeks.