Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

The appearance of prominent or protruding ears and injuries or deformities affecting the ears can be the cause of extreme self-consciousness among people of all ages. Here at Town Center Plastic Surgery, Dr. Marc Lussier performs a range of ear surgery techniques designed to reduce the appearance of prominent ears, repair ears and earlobes damaged by injury or deformity, and address conditions such as keloids that can manifest in the ears. With state-of-the-art plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Lussier can improve life-long conditions that can help patients attain their goals.

Please contact our practice for more information on ear surgery (otoplasty) and earlobe repair here in the Valencia and Santa Clarita, California region.

Otoplasty for the Appearance of Prominent Ears

Growing up with large ears or ears that protrude too far from the head can be difficult for children and cause extreme self-consciousness. However, otoplasty (ear surgery) can help correct this by surgically pinning the ears back so they do not appear as prominent as they once did. Ear surgery can be performed on both children and adults. It’s best for children who undergo the surgery to be at least 5 to 8 years old, giving the ears a better chance at reaching full maturity. During the ear pinning procedure, small incisions will be made at the back of the ear. Cartilage will be sculpted and then bent further towards the head, reducing the appearance of protrusion. Typically, non-removable stitches are placed on the backs of the ears so that the new shape is retained.

The entire ear surgery procedure can be performed as an outpatient, and usually takes about two hours to complete. After surgery, a special headband will need to be worn for several weeks to ensure proper healing and the maintaining of the new position; however, patients can often resume normal daily routines about one week after the procedure.

Surgery for Aged/Elongated Earlobes

As we age, the earlobes can become larger and longer as excess tissue accumulates over time. A fairly simple procedure performed with a local anesthetic can remove the excess and recontour the earlobes, giving them a more youthful appearance. Dr. Lussier can also address thinned-out earlobes by using injectable dermal fillers to plump them up and add more volume the area.

Surgery for Earlobe Tears

One of the most common problems with the ears is a rip or tear in the earlobe, usually caused by wearing heavy earrings over a period of many years. Getting an earring caught on something or having it pulled by someone can even cause a complete earlobe tear, resulting in a slit or a cleft. Dr. Lussier can correct these conditions by excising the margins of the slit or opening in the earlobe and then performing plastic surgery to repair it.

Surgery for Earlobe Deformities from Gauges

Gauges stretch the piercing of an earlobe substantially and ultimately leave a large hole. After a gauge is removed, the skin of the earlobe will naturally contract a bit, but there will likely still be a significant opening in the earlobe. Plastic surgery and reconstruction of the earlobe can be performed to close the opening and give the earlobe a more natural appearance.

Surgery for Keloids

Keloids (or keloid scars) are a growth or skin lesion that can develop over an injury or a piercing. They usually appear as red or pink bumps on the ears, and can become very large and uncomfortable. Keloids can be removed with either surgical excision and/or steroid injections. Although keloid conditions can be treated, it is not uncommon to experience recurrence.

Please contact Town Center Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for ear surgery.

Town Center Plastic Surgery in Valencia, CA is conveniently located near the following: