DR. LUCY BARR | Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty and Microtia Repair

Otoplasty and microtia repair both involve surgeries that cosmetically improve and enhance the appearance of the ears. Both of these surgeries are used to improve the outer portion of the ears and earlobes.

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that can vary greatly depending on a patient’s needs and desires. This procedure could involve pinning ears closer to the head, reduction of ears or lobes, reshaping specific areas on the ear and repairing any ear damage from accidents or facial trauma.

Microtia repair uses many of the same techniques found in regular otoplasty procedures. Microtia causes malformed and misshaped ears that is many times related to childhood syndromes such as Treacher Collins Syndrome and Goldenhar syndrome. Many children who suffer from these syndromes are treated with surgery in their youth.

Although many children benefit from the surgery at a young age, older patients who suffered effects of the same or similar syndromes often choose to have otoplasty surgery and ear reconstructive surgeries later in their adulthood. Experienced surgeons will consult with patients to discuss realistic improvements that can be made.

Outer ears that are misshaped or malformed can be repaired and reshaped to create a symmetrical and cosmetically pleasing look. Otoplasty is a common surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the ear and can be used for repairs of damage caused by childhood syndromes that have negative effects on the ears and lobes.