Ear Surgery | Vancouver

The aesthetic concerns children or adults have with their ears can lead to self-consciousness. Larger, outwardly protruding or differently shaped ears can cause feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Fortunately, ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, has the potential to resolve these issues, providing confidence and an improved self-image.

Dr. Ritchie Younger is one of Canada’s leading facial plastic surgeons and has performed otoplasty on thousands of satisfied patients of all ages. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Younger is proven to deliver exceptional, natural-looking results that enhance the harmony and balance of your face.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is an ear surgery that corrects congenital disabilities or disfiguring external injuries. It aims to reshape the ears, bringing them into better proportion with the rest of your facial features. This may involve reducing the size of overly large ears, repositioning ears that stick out too far from the head or reshaping ears with irregular contours or folds.

Once the ears have reached their full size, otoplasty can be performed on children as young as five or six years old. Many parents choose to have their children’s ears corrected before they start school to prevent potential teasing or bullying. However, otoplasty is also commonly performed on adolescents and adults who have long been bothered by the appearance of their ears and are seeking a permanent solution.


Dr. Younger gives a general overview of otoplasty including what age groups benefit and how.


Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty can offer numerous physical and emotional benefits, including:

  • Improved ear shape, size and position
  • Better facial symmetry and balance
  • Correction of congenital disabilities like microtia or anotia
  • Restoration of ear anatomy after injury or trauma
  • Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Expanded hair styling and accessory options
  • Elimination of unwanted attention or teasing due to ear appearance

Earlobe Refinement (Loboplasty)

Earlobe refinement is a small surgical procedure, which rejuvenates or normalizes the appearance of earlobes. There are a number of reasons why clients are interested in this procedure. Earlobes can be changed by aging, injury (piercing, too heavy jewelry) or be different in size due to genetics or trauma. The most common reason is that gravity pulls on the earlobes, making them look aged and loose.

Earlobe refinement adjusts the size or the position of the earlobe. It is a relatively quick procedure with short downtime. Surgery takes place under local anaesthesia and lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Dr. Younger will typically remove the excess hanging tissue and freshen up the skin edges. Fine internal and external stitches are used to create a more normal looking earlobe.

Swelling and redness take 7 to 10 days to disappear. For complete healing to occur, 6 to 12 months are necessary.


Types of Otoplasty

Different types of otoplasty may be performed depending on the patient’s specific concerns and goals. Dr. Younger is highly skilled in all these techniques and will recommend the best approach to achieving your desired outcome.

Ear Pinning (Pinback Otoplasty)

The most common type of otoplasty is ear pinning, which addresses ears that protrude or stick out too far from the head. During this procedure, Dr. Younger makes an incision behind the ear in the natural crease where it joins the head. He then reshapes the cartilage, removing excess tissue if necessary, and uses internal stitches to secure the ear in its new position closer to the head. The incision is closed with external stitches that will be removed about a week after surgery.

Ear pinning is typically performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation for adults and under general anesthesia for children. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on the case’s complexity. Patients can go home the same day and return to work or school within a week but avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.

After ear pinning, patients need to continuously wear a protective headband over their ears for the first week and then just at night for another few weeks. This helps maintain the new ear shape and position during the healing process. Most swelling and bruising subside within two weeks, but it can take up to six months for the ears to fully settle into their final appearance.

Ear Reduction

For patients with oversized or elongated ears, ear reduction surgery is performed to minimize and create a more proportional look overall. This may involve removing skin and cartilage from the outer edge of the ear (helical rim) or reducing the size of the earlobe.

Ear reduction surgery is often combined with ear pinning for a comprehensive reshaping of the ears. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults and general anesthesia for children and takes about two to three hours to complete. Recovery is similar to ear pinning, with most patients returning to everyday routines within one to two weeks.

Earlobe Repair

Earlobes can become stretched, torn or elongated due to aging, injury or wearing heavy earrings. Earlobe repair surgery, also known as loboplasty, can restore a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing appearance to the earlobes.

During earlobe repair, Dr. Younger removes the excess, stretched skin and carefully reshapes the earlobe to create a more symmetrical, proportional contour. The incisions are closed with tiny sutures that are removed about a week later.

Earlobe repair can be performed under local anesthesia for 30 minutes to an hour. Patients can return to work the next day, although they should avoid wearing earrings or pulling on their earlobes for at least six weeks to allow for proper healing.

Ear Reconstruction

In some cases, otoplasty may be performed to reconstruct an ear damaged or deformed due to trauma, cancer or congenital defects. Ear reconstruction is a more complex procedure requiring multiple stages and techniques to achieve an optimal outcome.

The first stage of ear reconstruction usually involves placing a tissue expander under the skin behind the ear to create enough skin to cover the reconstructed ear. This process takes several weeks, and the expander is gradually inflated through an external port.

Once enough skin has been generated, Dr. Younger creates a framework for the new ear using cartilage from the ribs or a synthetic implant. This framework is then carefully shaped and positioned to match the opposite ear as closely as possible. The expanded skin is then draped over the ear framework and secured with stitches. Subsequent procedures may refine the contours and definition of the reconstructed ear.

Ear reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure that requires meticulous planning and execution to achieve a natural-looking result. Dr. Younger has extensive experience in this specialized technique and works closely with each patient to develop a customized surgical plan that meets their unique needs and goals.


Dr. Younger talks about ear reconstruction surgery and who its suited for.

What to Expect

Consultation

Before undergoing ear surgery, you’ll have a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Younger to discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history. During this meeting, Dr. Younger will examine your ears, take photographs for your medical record, and explain the recommended surgical approach for your specific needs.

To ensure you’re a good candidate for otoplasty, Dr. Younger may request specific medical evaluations or clearances, such as blood tests or a physical exam. He will also provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure, including medications and supplements to avoid before surgery, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, and lifestyle factors to manage, such as quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption.

Preparation

Additionally, you’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility and prepare your home for a comfortable recovery by setting up a relaxing space with plenty of pillows and entertainment options. Ensuring you have adequate post-operative care is also essential, whether from a family member, friend or professional service. Dr. Younger and his team will be available to answer any questions you may have leading up to your surgery date, ensuring you’re fully informed and feel the utmost confidence in your decision to proceed with otoplasty.

Procedure

Otoplasty is performed in Dr. Younger’s state-of-the-art surgical facility, which is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology and safety features. His experienced team of anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff work closely with him to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout the procedure.

Depending on your age, medical history and personal preferences, Dr. Younger may recommend either local anesthesia with oral sedation or general anesthesia for your procedure. Local anesthesia involves numbing the ears and surrounding area with injections, while oral sedation helps you relax and remain comfortable during the procedure. General anesthesia involves being fully asleep and is typically recommended for children or more complex cases.

Once you’re adequately anesthetized, Dr. Younger will begin the surgical process. For ear reconstruction, Dr. Younger will use a multi-stage approach to create a new ear framework using rib cartilage or a synthetic implant. He will then shape and position the framework to match the opposite ear before draping the expanded skin over it and securing it with stitches.

The length of your otoplasty procedure will depend on the complexity of your case and the specific techniques used, but most surgeries take between one and three hours. After your procedure, you’ll be monitored in a comfortable recovery area until you’re ready to be discharged home, typically within a few hours.

Recovery and Aftercare

After your otoplasty, you can expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. These side effects are expected and will gradually subside over the first few weeks of recovery. Dr. Younger will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help manage your symptoms and promote optimal healing.

You will need to continuously wear a supportive headband over your ears for the first week after surgery, then just at night for several more weeks. This helps maintain your ears’ new shape and position during the critical early stages of healing. Dr. Younger will schedule several follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your healing.

These visits typically occur one week after surgery to remove external stitches and check your incisions, two to three weeks after surgery to evaluate swelling and discuss returning to regular activities, six weeks after surgery to assess your early results and take “after” photographs, and three to four months after surgery to examine the outcome of your procedure.

Most patients take about one week off from work or school to recover from otoplasty. However, this may vary depending on the extent of their procedure and individual healing process. Strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for at least three to four weeks to prevent injury to the healing ears.

While you’ll see noticeable changes in your ear shape and position immediately after surgery, it’s essential to be patient with your results. Residual swelling can take several months to resolve fully, and your ears may feel stiff or numb for some time as the nerves and tissues heal. Dr. Younger and his team will be available to address any concerns and questions you may have throughout your recovery journey.

Results

Otoplasty aims to create more balanced, proportional ears that blend harmoniously with your facial features. While the changes made during surgery are visible right away, the final results of your procedure will emerge gradually over several months as swelling subsides and your ears heal and settle into their new shape and position.

Most patients are thrilled with the outcome of their otoplasty, reporting a significant boost in self-confidence and a greater sense of freedom in their personal style and self-expression. Many find that they no longer feel the need to hide their ears with long hair or hats and feel more comfortable wearing a wider range of hairstyles and accessories.

The results of otoplasty are typically long-lasting since structural changes to your ears are permanent. However, the natural aging process, significant weight fluctuations or injury can affect the appearance of the ears over time. Dr. Younger will discuss the expected longevity of your results during your consultation and guide you on maintaining your ear shape and position over the years.

Why Choose Dr. Younger for Your Ear Surgery?

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, you should choose an experienced surgeon who specializes in the procedure you’re considering. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ritchie Younger has the training, skill and artistry to deliver exceptional results in even the most complex ear surgery cases.

Dr. Younger is a leader in his field, having performed over 1,000 otoplasty procedures throughout his career. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of the intricacies of ear anatomy, which allows him to create beautifully natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique features.

Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Younger is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach. He takes the time to listen to each concern and goal and works collaboratively with you to develop a personalized plan for your individual needs.

Dr. Younger’s state-of-the-art practice is equipped with the latest surgical technology and staffed by highly trained, experienced professionals who share his commitment to patient safety, comfort and satisfaction. From consultation to final follow-up, you can trust that you’re in the best possible hands with Dr. Younger and his team.

Book Your Otoplasty Consultation

We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Younger at the Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver. During this in-depth meeting, Dr. Younger will examine your ears, discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend the best course of treatment to help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire.

Don’t let concerns about your ears stop you from feeling confident. Contact us today at 604-800-5256 or book your consultation online to take the first step towards a more confident, self-assured you!

Book a consultation with Dr. Younger

As Vancouver’s leading facial plastic surgery expert, Dr. Younger has been expertly helping thousands of happy patients look their best. Book a consultation to see what he can do for you.

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