Ear surgery can be performed for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes to improve overall ear shape and establish better proportions. At the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mary Herte, is experienced with performing surgical ear procedures for a wide range of concerns, including birth defects, damage from an injury, abnormal scarring from a piercing, or stretching from earring wear or aging.
Candidates for ear surgery are in generally good health and have realistic expectations about their results. During the consultation process, Dr. Herte will discuss the cause of your concern and what you hope to achieve with surgery. To help you make an informed decision about your care, she will go over the details of your ear surgery and help you understand what to expect. Using meticulous surgical skill, she can address complex concerns related to ear appearance, helping you achieve the more natural and balanced look you desire.
Otoplasty
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning surgery, is a cosmetic technique designed to improve the shape, size, or position of the ears. This is a common procedure for children and adolescents who have overly large, protruding, or misshapen ears, though many adults undergo otoplasty each year, as well. The goal of ear pinning surgery is to create a more proportionate look with the rest of the face.
To achieve a more subtle ear appearance, Dr. Herte will remove or reshape any fat deposits or cartilage structures contributing to an oversized or irregularly shaped ear. If the ears are projecting excessively outward, she can pin them back to a more appropriate angle, securing the position with sutures. Since Dr. Herte makes every effort to place incisions in natural creases, any residual scarring is typically not noticeable.
Earlobe Repair
Cosmetic earlobe repair is often performed on individuals with stretched, torn, or otherwise misshapen earlobes. Ruptured or elongated earlobes usually result from heavy earrings, ear gauges, earrings being pulled, or the natural aging process. When the earlobe becomes severely stretched or damaged, Dr. Herte can correct the shape to restore a more natural appearance.
To perform earlobe repair for pierced ears, scar tissue around the piercing hole will first be removed. The edges of the ear will then be sutured together for a more youthful and natural shape. When the purpose of surgery is to address stretched earlobes caused by aging, excess skin will often be removed, and the area will be sutured closed for a more rejuvenated shape.
Keloid Removal
Keloids are a type of raised scar that develops when the body has an aggressive healing response to a wound. These can be large and pigmented, extending beyond the margins of the original injury and resulting in a misshapen appearance. Keloid scars are more common in individuals with a darker skin tone. They can occur after ear piercings, leading to an excess of fibrous scar tissue forming. Keloids often begin as a small bump near the piercing, but can grow to be larger over the following months.
To remove a keloid, Dr. Herte may recommend precise surgical removal of the scar tissue. This may be in conjunction with an additional scar treatment, such as laser therapy. Keloids can be difficult to treat, which is why you will need to discuss your aesthetic goals and medical history with Dr. Herte to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
For more information about otoplasty, earlobe repair, and keloid removal, please contact the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation.