Ear Surgery

In both children and adults, protruding, oversized ears can be a source of low self-esteem, teasing and social ostracizing. With otoplasty or corrective ear surgery, cartilage and skin are re-shaped to “pin” the ear closer to the scalp. Each ear surgery is carefully tailored to the patient's unique wishes and anatomical structures.

What is otoplasty?

The most typical configuration is a prominent ear, which can be improved by adjusting several different anatomic variables, including adjusting the angle of the ear as it meets the scalp and accentuating the natural folds of the ear.

Dr. Zampell is able to adjust this balance by reshaping the cartilage and skin. Scarring for this procedure does not typically pose any problems as the incision is hidden behind the ear. While ear surgery is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be done for situations related to traumatic injuries or birth defects. Cosmetic ear reshaping for children can be especially beneficial if they are victims of taunting or teasing.

Some of the conditions treated by ear surgery:

Protruding ears
Ear deformities
Cup ear
Lop ear
Cauliflower ear
Spock's ear
Microtia
Telephone ear
Stahl's ear deformity

What are the benefits of ear reshaping?

Can help reduce teasing or taunting
Can help improve self-image and self-confidence
Can help balance and harmonize the other facial features
Can help repair damage to the earlobe
Can help improve ear symmetry
Can help provide a greater choice in hairstyles

Who is a good candidate for ear surgery in Beverly Hills?

Otoplasty is appropriate for both children and adults who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their ears. They may suffer from asymmetric ears, deformed ears, or ears that are enlarged or protruding. Patients may have tried hiding their ears with hats or covering them with hair.

As with most surgeries, candidates should be in good mental and physical health, and should not suffer from any major medical conditions or infections. Children who have active ear infections or are planning to undergo eardrum surgery or tonsil surgery should wait until after these procedures to pursue otoplasty. Adult candidates should be non-smokers who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish.

What can I expect from recovery?

If ear surgery is being performed on children, it may be a good idea to do this over the summer or winter break as they may need up to a week or more to recover. Both adults and children can expect to wear a protective strap or cap at night to help the ears maintain their new shape while they heal. Most patients can resume light activities the day after surgery, but it's important to avoid vigorous exercise for two to three weeks. Dr. Zampell will create a detailed and personalized aftercare plan for you and also provide you with the appropriate pain medications.

Zampell Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Why choose Dr. Zampell in Beverly Hills?

Dr. Zampell is an extremely approachable and compassionate surgeon who is able to set small children instantly at ease by helping them understand the procedure in very simple, straightforward terms. Her results are elegant and natural looking, and highly customized to each individual’s unique wishes.

After graduating with honors from Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Zampell pursued a rigorous surgical residency at New York University, followed by an elite fellowship in microsurgery at the University of California Los Angeles. She trained under the guidance of breast reconstruction pioneer Dr. Robert Allen, the man who created many of the most common autologous flap surgeries used today.