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Home | Cosmetic Surgery | Facial Surgery | Ear Surgery

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in Chicago

When it comes to the specialized architecture of the ears, plastic surgeons are the experts in pinning back ears that project too much and/or reshaping ears that are irregular in shape. Children who are born with prominent ears that "stick out" too much may be candidates for ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, from Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Steinwald. As stated in one of the plastic surgery texts, "playmates may invoke names from an ample inventory of cartoon characters and animal species to undermine the child's confidence" (Furnas), and therefore normalization of these irregularities can help prevent years of ridicule at a developmentally sensitive time.

Chicago-area otoplasty is often performed under general anesthesia as an overnight procedure. Incisions are usually hidden on the back side of the ear, through which excessive cartilage can be excised, folds can be formed by specialized permanent sutures, and/or the "bowl" of the ear can be "pinned back" to the scalp. The patient usually wears a compressive dressing for several days, and then a headband (especially at night) for several weeks, as necessary. These procedures are also available for adults, although in our experience insurance companies rarely cover otoplasty beyond the childhood years.

Dr. Steinwald also performs many other types of external ear surgery for Illinois patients utilizing plastic surgery techniques, including repair of completely or incompletely split earlobes from earring trauma, wedge excisions of malignant skin lesions with complex repair or reconstruction, and drainage of blood or fluid collections from shear forces (i.e. "wrestler's ear"). Otoplasty is just one example of the many types of Chicago facial plastic surgery we perform.

Your Next Step

It's easy to learn if ear surgery is right for you or your child. Simply request a consultation online with Dr. Steinwald and save $50 off the regular consultation fee. Or, call the Lake Forest Plastic Surgery office at (847) 234-9464 to schedule your visit. Dr. Steinwald looks forward to meeting you to discuss your cosmetic goals.