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Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Peter A. Hilger, MD

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FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY SPECIALISTS IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN
(952) 844-0404 Contact Us
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    • Dr. Sofia Lyford-Pike
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Ear Surgery | Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Ear Surgery or Otoplasty

What is Otoplasty?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, refers to plastic surgery procedures performed to correct protruding, over-sized, or deformed ears. This is a cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery that can fix aesthetic issues or birth defects, as well as deformities due to injury and differences in ear shape and size. The surgery changes the appearance of the external ear in both children and adults. After the ears have grown to 85- to 90-percent of their adult size, usually around age five or six, the procedure can be performed to reconstruct the ears’ shape, size, and position.

Table of Contents
  • What is Otoplasty?
  • What is the Procedure Process for Ear Surgery?
  • Who is a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
  • What are the Benefits of this procedure?
  • Ear Surgery FAQ

What is the Procedure Process for Ear Surgery?

The exact details of the procedure depend on the individual’s goals and concerns. For protruding ears, the surgeon will make small incisions behind the ears to trim, remove, and reshape the cartilage. The ears are then secured with sutures so that they lie closer to the head. Other deformities or shape issues can be corrected by removing skin and cartilage through incisions in the front of the ear or otoplasty. In both cases, scars are barely visible. Children’s surgery is performed under general anesthetic. The surgery typically takes about two to three hours.

At the end of the procedure, a soft protective bandage is applied and this remains in place for 2 to 5 days. We generally then ask patients to wear a light elastic headband at night for an additional three weeks to minimize the risk of inadvertently putting traction on the ear or otoplasty.

Who is a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Any healthy child or adult with large, protruding, or misshapen ears, that are nearly full-sized, is potentially a good candidate. However, your surgeon will want to ensure that the patient has reasonable expectations concerning the procedure’s outcome.

  •  Before and After Photos in , , Minneapolis Ear Surgery or Otoplasty
  •  Before and After Photos in , , Minneapolis Ear Surgery or Otoplasty
Before and After Photos

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

What are the Benefits of this procedure?

Otoplasty can reshape and reposition the ears so that they’re in proportion to the rest of the face. This can bolster confidence and reduce or negate the psychological effects associated with teasing and bullying.

Related Procedures:

Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, Chin Augmentation

Related Articles

  • Modification of the Mustardé Otoplasty Technique Using Temporary Contouring Sutures
  • Diminishing Prominent Ears | Otoplasty | Edina, MN
  • Ear Surgery for Adults
  • Recovery Time for Ear Surgery on Children
  • What Concerns Does Otoplasty Correct?

Ear Surgery FAQ

How do I choose the best ear surgeon for my ear correction surgery?

Only the most reputable and accomplished surgeon should be trusted for your ear correction procedure. Not only are experience and skill a must, the best otoplasty surgeon will have extensive training in procedures of the face, head, and neck. They should also be board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery. Communication between doctor and patient is key. To ensure you achieve the best results, choose a surgeon who will take time to comprehensively explain the benefits and limitations of an Otoplasty procedure, helping you to develop realistic goals for your specific ear correction surgery.
Preeminent otoplasty surgeons in both Minnesota and nationally, Drs. Peter Hilger and Lyford-Pike are accomplished physicians, teachers, and researchers with more than 30 years experience in facial cosmetic and plastic surgery. Board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery, and frequently lecturing internationally, Dr. Hilger and Dr. Lyford-Pike are among the most elite otoplasty surgeons in the country and one of the few fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons in the Twin Cities.

What are the results of ear surgery like?

Otoplasty can transform the ears so that they are in proportion to the face. Because surgeons can accurately estimate the eventual size of a child’s ears, future growth won’t interfere with the procedure. With precise techniques, the results appear natural and are typically permanent.

What are the risks associated with ear surgery?

There are risks inherent with any surgery, however, they are minimal with otoplasty. The surgeon works on the external ear only and hearing is not affected. If post-surgical instructions are closely followed, the chances of complications or noticeable scarring decrease greatly. Risks include abnormal scar tissue, (which can often be corrected), hematoma, and the recurrence of ear protrusion.

What is involved in otoplasty recovery?

After surgery, the patient is usually given medication to control the pain, as well as a head dressing that is worn for several days. Bruising, swelling and mild pain may occur but diminish quickly. If traditional sutures are used, they are removed approximately one week later. A headband may be worn at night for several weeks. Many people return to work or school after 7 to 10 days.

  • Hi, my name is ** and this is my experience wth Dr. Sofia Lyford and team. When I was 17 I had a bad experience with an ear surgery back in my country, leaving half my face paralyzed. I came to the US to see a new doctor, and see if they can do something for me. Between the years I have done about 10 or more surgeries all over my face, head, eye, and ear. He said that they cannot do much for me because everything has already been done. One of the doctors told me if I wanted to see a new doctor who is coming to the hospital, I said YES, I went to my meeting with Dr. Sofia Lyford. From the…

    • 5 stars
    • EP

For ear surgery/otoplasty post-op instructions click here.

Why choose Hilger Clinic

  • Dr. Peter Hilger has been performing facial cosmetic surgery in Edina, Minnesota for over 25 years. 
  • Double Board-Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
  • President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Dr. Lyford-Pike is a highly accomplished and skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
  • Named as one of Minnesota Monthly Best Doctors 2017.

Last modified on November 25, 2019 by Dr. Peter Hilger, MD and reviewed by  Dr. Sofia Lyford-Pike, MD. With thousands of cosmetic procedures performed, his breadth of knowledge and talent is unmatched. Dr. Hilger has built his practice on naturally beautiful facial surgery, with outcomes that enhance the true uniqueness of each patient. His decades-long career has been driven by a passion for patient care and attention to detail that has had a lasting impact on facial plastic surgery both in the Twin Cities and nationwide.

Last Modified 12/02/2020 by Hilger Clinic

Contact Us in Minneapolis, MN
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The doctors have been selected routinely as “Best Doctors” by the Minnesota Monthly survey. The doctors in the Hilger Clinic are routinely selected by the Minneapolis/St. Paul doctor’s survey. The only Board certifying exclusively in facial plastic surgery. One of the founding members of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Otolaryngology certification includes facial plastic surgery. A national society specializing in excellence in facial plastic surgery. Our doctors have been extensively involved in this society for years including serving as its’ President. This is a national survey that recognizes excellence in all fields of medicine throughout the United States. Our doctors have been repeatedly selected in this survey as well.

Hilger Facial Plastic in Minnesota

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