Ear Surgery by Seattle Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder

Procedure Illustrations

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Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) Prominent ears according to Seattle Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder

Prominent ears usually are lacking a normal fold and sometimes have a very deep choncha (or bowl). This prevents the ears from laying flat against the head. This can be an embarrassment for both children and adults. Otoplasty is a procedure that helps restore the normal shape and position of the ear. An incision is made along the back of the ear, the choncha is made more shallow and a fold is created with stitches in the ear cartilage. The resultant scar along the back of the ear will be noticed only by the patients hairdresser or barber.

I usually perform otoplasty in my AAAASF certified Seattle office operating room with local anesthetic and intravenous sedation. There is pain and swelling for about a week postoperatively. Patients need to wear a headband day and night for one week to assist with shaping the ears and then continue to wear the headband at night for another 2 weeks.

The benefit of the surgery is usually long lasting.