Dr. Morse can perform a variety of procedures to correct functional and cosmetic problems related to the ears, including:
Otoplasty
Otoplasty, sometimes called "ear pinning surgery" is typically done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Surgery usually requires about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. Otoplasty is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
During surgery, Dr. Morse makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He then sculpts the cartilage and bends the ear back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.
Ear Reconstruction
Ear reconstruction can correct deformities caused by trauma, surgery, infections and other incidents. Using local flaps, skin grafts, cartilage grafts and other materials, the external ear can be rebuilt to exhibit a normal appearance.
Under local or general anesthesia, Dr. Morse can use flaps, grafts or linear closure techniques to restore normal structure to the ear. When connective tissue or cartilage is exposed, a skin graft or local flap can be placed to cover the area.
After ear reconstruction, Dr. Morse will advise you to limit activity for about 2 weeks and instruct you on using broad-spectrum antibiotics. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled 1 week after surgery (for removal of sutures) and later as needed.
Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair surgery can fix a stretched or torn earlobe due to an oversized earring or injury. The trend of expanding the earlobes with gauging has increased the popularity of this procedure.
During this brief procedure, small strips of skin are removed from the bottom of the earlobe, creating a clean edge. The tissue is then sutured back together to close the split, restoring a normal appearance to the earlobe. This surgery is done under local anesthesia.
After earlobe repair, you may experience some minor swelling and discomfort. A dressing will cover the ear for several days and the sutures will be removed during your follow-up appointment, which is typically scheduled within 2 weeks of the operation.
Correction of Ear Deformities
One of the most common ear deformities corrected by surgeons is a condition of protruding ears, when the ears appear prominent or project too far from one's head. A procedure called otoplasty is done to reshape the cartilage behind the ear and pin the ears back to a normal position.
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: lop ear, when the tip seems to fold down and forward; cupped ear, which is usually a very small ear; and shell ear, when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.
Sometimes, however, the correction can leave a scar that's worse than the original problem. Ask Dr. Morse about the effectiveness of ear surgery for your specific case.
To learn more about the various procedures in ear surgery, contact us for a personal consultation with reconstructive surgeon Dr. Martin Morse.
