Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)

Otoplasty is more than a reshaping of ears that have not developed to our normal standards. Ears that project gently from the sides of the head, show delicate convolutions or curves and have a three dimensional appearance are like lovely flowers. Each ear is slightly different, even on the same individual. The object at hand is to restore or reshape ears to appear normal and not be seen. The balancing and reforming of ears requires both an artist’s eye and the skills of the plastic surgeon.

Over operated ears will actually look worse to the view and owner than those that have a graceful and natural form. Pinning the ears against the head to flatten and mask the protrusion is definitely not the answer unless you are a Doberman.

So, who wants ear surgery? The ears are almost 80% of the adult size by age 5. Like the surgery, the psychological profile and age of the patient is crucial to obtaining lovely results. A child will often be ridiculed and teased about protruding ears when they start school. As we know, children and adults can be mean at times and jealous, causing them to make fun of an individual’s imperfection. These haunting experiences often affect the individual throughout their lives unless corrective surgery is performed to remove the stigma and the psychological burden of viewing themselves as having features that are unflattering.

Like other plastic surgery, cosmetic, perceived and real irregularities that do not conform to our society’s standards can be quite bothersome and take up an inordinate time of contemplation by these individuals. The aim of all cosmetic surgery is to obtain a healthy appearance and remove that which has so troubled you.

Ear reshaping is a procedure that gives patients remarkable satisfaction. Children become more outgoing and both male and female adults change their hair styles to now reveal their ears and alter their psycho-personal outlook on life. Often, these individuals are now released from the burden of staring at their offending ears, allowing them to more fully enjoy their lives. A lobster fisherman, started to wear his hair short, date and feel that he was at peace with his appearance. A happy ending to a troubled youth is the true sign of a successful operation.

Dr. Rosenthal is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, is the Chief, of Plastic Surgery at Bridgeport Hospital, the Chairperson Reviewer for a national medical book review organization that reaches over 300,000 subscribers, is a board member of the Connecticut Society of Plastic Surgeons, practices plastic surgery in Fairfield, Ct for 24 years. He is an artist, sculptor, writer and photographer who has had art exhibits in France, New York, Discovery Museum in Bridgeport and at the Welch Gallery in Fairfield University. He uses his surgical skill and creativity to produce a natural appearance for all of his cosmetic surgery. He honed his ear surgery by rebuilding ears that were injuried during trauma and burns. His article in Clinics in Plastic Surgery is a cornerstone discourse on burn ear repair.

Dr. Jeffrey S. Rosenthal
Fairfield County, Connecticut