Ear Surgery

About Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Ears that stick outward and protrude, are misshapen and uneven, or look too large can have a negative impact on your self-confidence, especially as a child. Ear reshaping surgery (also known as otoplasty) is a cosmetic treatment that helps to redefine the size and shape of the ears to create a pleasing look. Dr. Mark Schoemann is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Encinitas, CA who has assisted countless adults and children overcome their fear of showing their ears by having this surgery. Having studied extensively in craniofacial plastic surgery, Dr. Schoemann is highly skilled in meticulous facial procedures that prioritize patient safety and comfort. Regardless of the deformity, ear surgery at Schoemann Plastic Surgery allows an individual to show their face from any angle with confidence.

Ideal Candidates

Ear surgery can be performed on patients of all ages; however, it is extremely common among young children and is suggested before reaching elementary school. By age six, this surgery is safe to be performed on a child. If you are frustrated by the appearance of your ears because they stick out or are too large, otoplasty may be the ideal surgery to attain a natural-looking appearance. If you suffer from a damaged earlobe, you are also a candidate for otoplasty. Dr. Schoemann regularly performs this surgery on children as young age five who are targeted by bullies for the size or appearance of their ears.

Surgical Technique

Cosmetic ear surgery is completed using a form of anesthesia. In most cases, the incision is made near the back of the ear or inside the inner ear folds. During surgery, cartilage may be removed or added to create a more natural appearance. It is usual for both ears to be altered during otoplasty to ensure that they look balanced. Once the ears are surgically corrected, the incisions are closed with sutures and bandaged so they can remain safeguarded for healing.

What to Expect

Once treatment has finished and it is safe to leave the outpatient surgery center, you will rest and recover at home. Dr. Schoemann or a member of his team will give recovery instructions. It is important to not touch, pick at, or scratch the ears. Furthermore, you or your child should avoid laying on the ears, instead sleeping in an upright position for the first several days. Dr. Schoemann will ask to see his ear surgery patients back within the first week — during this time, Dr. Schoemann will remove the bandages and look at you or your child’s ears. Natural-looking ears are noticeable almost immediately and the results will continue to look better as the ears heal.

Reshape Your Ears

Although the ears are small, an abnormal shape, position, or size can make a huge difference in one’s appearance, especially as part of a holistic plastic surgery plan. Ear surgery (otoplasty) can help your child avoid teasing at school, or help you if you feel self-conscious about your ears.

Contact Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas to schedule your appointment today at (760) 487-2520 and learn more about cosmetic ear reshaping surgery. We’re excited to help you gain a look you can be proud of and the confidence to flaunt it.