Ear Reduction Surgery / Otoplasty

Prominent ears is a fairly common problem and actually, Dr. Nelson was teased a great deal about his prominent ears so he is very aware of what children and young adults go through because of “big ears”. Of course, ears come in various shapes and sizes and the operation to correct the ear’s shape or prominence also varies. The most common corrections of prominent ears relate to weakening or removing some of the ear’s framework (cartilage) and placing sutures to position the ear in a more cosmetic form. Young children require “full sleep” (general anesthesia) for this surgery. Young adults and children often have procedures performed with local anesthesia.

Occasionally, patients may have a very unusual shape to the tip or outer ear or a trauma may have deformed the ear in some way. In these settings Dr. Nelson may move the ear framework and skin around to create a more balanced shape. Whether correcting a severe deformity or moderately projecting ears the surgery can be very gratifying to the patient.