Prominent Ears
Reduce excessive projection so the ears sit closer to the head.
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Otoplasty • Marietta, Georgia
Ear Surgery in the Atlanta Metro Area
Otoplasty can address prominent, misshapen, injured, or otherwise bothersome ears with a personalized surgical approach designed around your anatomy and concerns.
Candidates for Otoplasty
A more balanced ear shape can make a meaningful difference
Ear surgery can improve symmetry, reduce excessive projection, reshape cartilage, and help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance.
If you are considering ear surgery, Plastic Surgery Center of the South can address and help treat a number of different concerns. Whether related to deformity or injury, many people from the Atlanta area consider otoplasty to improve the appearance of their ears.
Otoplasty, sometimes called “pinning back the ears,” is commonly used when the ears protrude significantly from the head. The procedure can reshape deformed cartilage, improve symmetry, and, when needed, adjust ear shape or size.
Cartilage Shape
Reshape ear cartilage to improve symmetry and create a more natural fold.
Children & Adults
Otoplasty may be considered for children once the ears are nearly fully grown and for adults who have long been bothered by their ears.
Age & Self-Confidence
Ear surgery can be appropriate at different stages of life
Children
Often considered between ages 4 and 14
Ears are almost fully grown by age 4. For some children, correcting prominent ears can reduce unwanted attention and improve confidence during the school years.
Adults
A long-standing concern can still be addressed
Adults who have spent years hiding their ears with certain hairstyles or avoiding situations where their ears are more visible may also benefit from otoplasty.
Your Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Corey Harkins can evaluate the shape, projection and cartilage structure of the ears and recommend the surgical technique best suited to the concern being treated.
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss incision placement, cartilage reshaping, recovery, expected changes and any other ear concerns you would like addressed.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Aesthetic Experience
Individualized Treatment Planning
About Ear Surgery
How otoplasty is performed
The procedure is typically outpatient and takes about 1½ to 2 hours depending on the concern being treated.
01
Incision
A small incision is commonly made on the back of the ear to expose the cartilage.
02
Reshaping
Cartilage causing excessive protrusion can be sculpted and bent back toward the head. In some cases, a larger piece of cartilage may be removed.
03
Creating the Fold
Reshaping the cartilage can create a more natural fold so the ear lies flatter against the head.
04
Closure
Stitches close the incision and help maintain the new ear shape. Your surgeon will explain the technique best suited to your anatomy.
Recovery
What to expect after otoplasty
Protective Dressing
Your head will be wrapped in a bulky protective dressing immediately after surgery.
First Few Days
The ears may throb or ache for several days. Medication can be used to help control this discomfort.
About One Week
Stitches are typically removed or dissolve in about a week, and patients are normally able to return to work or school around that time.
Other Ear Concerns
Lop Ear
Cupped Ear
Shell Ear
Ear Reconstruction
Earring Tears
Earlobe Reduction
Other plastic surgery procedures for the ears
A tip that folds downward and forward
Surgery can reshape the cartilage and improve the contour of an ear whose upper portion appears folded.
A smaller-than-usual ear
Otoplasty techniques may be used to improve proportion and contour when the ear is unusually small.
Missing natural folds and curves
Surgery can help create or restore contours when the outer rim or normal folds and creases are underdeveloped.
Rebuilding an absent or injured ear
The practice can also address ears that were absent at birth or lost through injury.
Repair stretched or torn earlobes
Enlarged earring holes or traumatic tears can often be corrected by numbing the area and closing the opening with a few stitches.
Shorten stretched or “dangly” earlobes
Long earlobes can contribute to an aged appearance and can be reduced with a small procedure, either alone or with another facial surgery.
Discuss Your Concerns
Find the right approach for your ears
Whether your concern involves prominent ears, cartilage shape, an earlobe tear, earlobe length, or another ear deformity or injury, meet with Dr. Harkins to discuss the options available to you.