Surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce protrusion of the ear away from the head.  Most often, ear surgery is performed on children between the ages of four to fourteen.  Ears that “stick out” are often the source of teasing and ridicule in young children.  This teasing can have a devastating effect on the child’s psyche.

Otoplasty is not limited to children and may also be performed on older patients.  Cosmetic procedures are available for those individuals with large ears and for those with congenital (birth) irregularities that detract from their appearance.  Additionally, an individual’s ears may exhibit abnormal traits due to their genetic make-up or an accidental injury, such as losing an ear or part of an ear.  Otoplasty is used successfully for each of these situations.  Regardless of the procedure, patients have been pleased with the long-lasting improvements to their appearance offered by ear surgery.

Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery

  • Bring proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much.
  • Correct folded ear tips (lop ear).
  • Reshape long or offset earlobes.
  • Enhance very small ears or other congenital defects.
  • Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear.

General Procedure

Ear surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia for adults.  The standard otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head.  Otoplasty begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear.  This incision allows the cartilage located behind the ears to be reshaped in order to position them closer to the head.  The procedure takes approximately one to two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.

There are various surgical techniques involved in correcting irregularities other than protruding ears.  These techniques can be discussed with your physician during the initial consultation.

Recovery Process

After the surgery is completed, large bandages will be wrapped around the head. This method secures the ear in place and assists with the healing process.  The bandages are usually removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings.  Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery.  Any pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions.

Locations with this service

Zephyrhills 
38162 Medical Center Ave
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
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Weston 
2625 Executive Park Dr, Suite 7
Weston, FL 33331
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Venice Health Park 
1295 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
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Tampa Palms 
15310 Amberly Dr, Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33647
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Sun City Center 
1007 E Del Webb Blvd, Suite 101
Sun City Center, FL 33573
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St. Petersburg 
2150 49th Street North, Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
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Pembroke Pines 
603 N Flamingo Rd, Suite 350
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
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Parrish 
9015 US Highway 301 N
Parrish, FL 34219
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North Port – Commons 
14840 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
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North Port – Bobcat Village 
2481 Bobcat Village Center Rd, Suite 101
North Port, FL 34288
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Naples – North 
1015 Crosspointe Dr.
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Health Park 
11181 Health Park Blvd, Suite 2280
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Downtown 
261 9th St S
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Colonial Square 
1108 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Central 
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34109
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Miami
Formerly Bowes Dermatology
Mercy Professional Building Suite 6008
 
3659 S Miami Ave, Suite 6008
Miami, FL 33133
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Marco Island 
950 N Collier Blvd, Suite 303
Marco Island, FL 34145
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Lakewood Ranch 
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 260
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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Fort Myers – West 
9400 Gladiolus Dr, Suite 320
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – South 
7331 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – The Forum 
3268 Forum Blvd, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33905
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Estero 
19527 Highland Oaks Dr, Suite 201
Estero, FL 33928
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Englewood 
406 N Indiana Ave
Englewood, FL 34223
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Deerfield Beach 
1880 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite A
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
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Clearwater 
1122 Druid Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Cape Coral – Surfside 
2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111
Cape Coral, FL 33991
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Cape Coral 
413 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 101
Cape Coral, FL 33990
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Bonita Springs 
25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 90
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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Boca Raton – East 
200 Glades Road, Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33432
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Bay Harbor Islands 
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite 100
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
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