Dr. John LeRoy Answers Your Questions About Ear Surgery

The ears aren’t often what people think of when considering plastic surgery, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t have a considerable impact on how someone feels about their appearance. For many people, symmetry and balance are essential components of the look that they desire. And ears someone deems too big or not shaped how they would like can lead to unhappiness and lack of self-esteem. This is why I perform cosmetic ear surgery (also known as otoplasty). Below, I was happy to answer a few questions about ear surgery and how it may be able to help my patients.

Question #1: What is ear pinning and who can benefit from this approach to ear surgery?

For people whose issue is ears that protrude out farther than they would like, ear pinning can be an outstanding procedure option. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the back of the ear. A small amount of skin and/or tissue is removed, and then the remaining cartilage is then re-shaped or brought closer to the side of the head using long-term sutures. The result is better shaped ears that rest closer in towards the head instead of sticking so far out.

Question #2: Does it make sense to undergo ear surgery at the same time as another cosmetic surgery procedure?

For some patients, this can be an outstanding approach to achieving more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, rhinoplasty surgery is one plastic surgery that is commonly paired with ear surgery. Having both these procedures performed together can help achieve greater facial balance and harmony. Additionally, combining both procedures into one can help reduce overall surgical costs and recovery time when compared to undergoing them both separately.

Question #3: When can I wear headphones again after undergoing ear surgery?

It’s best to play it safe while recovering from ear surgery. Every patient is different, but my personal advice would be to wait at least a month following the procedure before putting on a pair of over ear headphones. It’s important to give your ears enough time to recover and build back up strength.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, as well as a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery, my goal each day is to help my patients become their most confident and beautiful selves. For more information about ear surgery, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure that I perform, contact me, Dr. John L. LeRoy, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional tips, practice news, and much more.