Aesthetic Ear Surgery for Prominent Ears

Ears are parts of our body that are not usually noticed unless they are prominent or protruding. To a child or an adult, protruding ears can be undesirable and a target of unkind comments. The correction of protruding ears is a safe and effective surgery that can refold the ear cartilage and create a more contoured shape.

In children, correction of protruding ears can be done after the ear has completed most of its growth, which occurs after age 6. Most severe cases can be corrected early because children are often cruelly teased in school. However, the majority of corrective ear surgery is performed after age 10 and well into adulthood. As hairstyles change to shorter cuts, ears become more visible and people have more incentive to undergo a corrective ear procedure.

The techniques used in correcting prominent ears have been refined over the past 40 years, with results being very predictable in terms of the final shape and contour. Dr. Applebaum's experience in aesthetic ear surgery dates back to his training with one of the country's most respected aesthetic ear surgeons, Dr. David Furnas, who developed several recognized ear pinning techniques. Dr. Applebaum performs Dr. Furnas’s operation, which yields beautiful results by naturally creating an ear shape that best fits the patient. Dr. Applebaum does not cut out cartilage, because in many cases this can leave visible signs that the ear was operated on. Dr. Applebaum's goal is to create the most natural ear for each individual patient.

Commonly Asked Questions about Ear Surgery

Q. Are there visible scars or signs that an ear has been pinned back?

A. All the incisions are placed well behind the ear in the fold with no other visible signs that any surgery has been performed.

Q. What is the recovery time for corrective ear surgery, and it is painful?

A. The ear pinning procedure creates significant swelling in the ears for about 7-10 days. A light headband is worn to protect the ears while sleeping for the first week. In terms of pain, most patients have discomfort that requires some pain relief for the first 3 or 4 days. After that time an occasional Tylenol will suffice.