Otoplasty: Improving the Shape, Position, or Proportion of the Ears
Ear shaping – or otoplasty – is one of those needs that is so well recognized that surgical techniques for accomplishing it were developed centuries ago. The techniques have had a lot of time and experience to advance and improve. Today there are surgical and non-surgical ways to improve the ears’ appearance.
Achieving harmony and proportion with the whole face, as well as a pleasing contour and appearance of the ear itself, is the goal.
Respecting a Delicate Masterpiece
Few features are as complex as the ear. Ideally, the multiple curves and angles present a graceful, shell-like appearance. Yet, that complexity gives room for error, even in nature. Fortunately, it offers many opportunities for improvement, too.
Not only the ear itself, but also the distance and angle with which it projects from the head helps determine whether we are comfortable with the appearance our ears present. Each of these factors can be addressed, some of them with non-surgical techniques.
Accepting the Causes and Getting to the Solution
It is estimated that 20% to 30% of persons are born with some deformity of the ear, coming either from prenatal development or from the passage through birth. Most of these defects self-correct within the first few weeks of life. Others call for attention later.
On the other side of life, our ears get older as we age, both for men and women. Recent studies in England, Italy, and Japan suggest our ears may get as much as a half-inch larger over the course of 50 years.
So, eventually, it’s common to want a change.
Such a complex and potentially beautiful facial feature calls for careful consultation and the attention of an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. If the contour, proportion, or position of your ears presents an improvement you would like to consider, then we welcome the opportunity to talk it over with you.
About Mike Majmundar, M.D.
Dr. Mike Majmundar is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and has been named a Top Doctor by Atlanta Magazine, a National Top Doctor by U.S. News & World Report & Castle Connolly, a Top Beauty Expert by The Atlantan, Best Self, and Northside Woman, and Best Botox and Filler Injector by Jezebel. To read his patient reviews, visit RealSelf or Google+. Dr. Majmundar is also a member of the American Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the world’s largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons (with over 4,000 members) and the only organization dedicated to the advancement of plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck, as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery.
