Otoplasty or ear reshaping cosmetic surgery should only be performed on the right candidates who can significantly improve their facial appearance with this procedure. A responsible surgeon will carefully evaluate candidacy before recommending otoplasty to a patient.

Dr. Eric Yavrouian is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon providing otoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills CA, and surrounding communities.

Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate

It is difficult to hide ears with clothing or other options. Therefore, people with ears that protrude more than they should, or are asymmetrical, disproportionate, flapping, or drooping too low, may feel embarrassed in a public setting. Therefore, otoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery procedure for such people.  

Whether it is a child who is constantly teased at school, or an adult who is uncomfortable and low on confidence due to the awkward shape of ears, or someone who has suffered trauma to the ears, may be a fabulous candidate who can use otoplasty to address their problem.

Some children are born with significant ear defects, and may make strong candidates for reconstructive otoplasty. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills CA, and nearby areas for otoplasty.

Candidates for Traditional or Reconstructive Otoplasty

Ear pinning surgery, also known as traditional otoplasty, is suitable for candidates who have large or extruding ears. These ears can be ‘pinned’ back towards the patient’s head. This helps to create a more regular look that a person will feel is more normal and attractive.

For candidates with severe ear defects that may occur due to some kind of external trauma or are present by birth, reconstructive otoplasty may be more appropriate.

Child Candidates

Congenital ear defects in children may make them suitable candidates for otoplasty. A child candidate may usually require otoplasty around the age of six, when the ears have sufficiently developed to a size quite close to that of an adult. In any case, otoplasty for child candidates may be commonly performed between the ages of four and fourteen.

Children below the age of four may not be suitable candidates for otoplasty because the ears are still attaining growth. But conditions identified early can be manipulated more easily with younger ear tissue. If the child has a significant defect in ear shape or size, it is a sagacious idea to visit a surgeon to determine their viable candidacy.

Common Congenital Defects

Otoplasty candidates may suffer from one of the following common congenital defects:

• Cagot Ear – No earlobe is present
• Cat’s Ear – The edges of the ear are folded forward
• Lop ear – The ear sharply curves inward
• Scroll ear – The ear is curled forward
• Wildermuth’s Ear – The top curve of the ear is reversed
• Stahl’s Ear Deformity – Abnormal folding of the ear
• Cleft earlobe – An indentation occurring in the earlobe

Skin cancer and malignant melanoma patients may also sometimes require otoplasty to remove the cancer and then to reconstruct the leftover tissue.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.