What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is ear surgery, and the useful question is how the ears are expected to look years after the operation.

Surgery on the ears

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure on the ears. People may look into it for different reasons, and your surgeon can tell you after an exam whether it fits your goal. Outcomes and recovery times vary by person and by technique.

Hospital and society pages on otoplasty, and the long-term ear question

Start with a plain description. A large hospital system explains otoplasty, the procedure and recovery. It is a good first read.

See the professional society's view. A national plastic surgery society has a page on ear surgery. For context on how ear surgery sits among other options, see its overview of cosmetic procedures.

Plan for the long run. Ask how the ears are expected to look in a few years and what would be done if a change were needed later.

Meeting otoplasty surgeons

1. Read the hospital page first, then the two society pages.
2. Write down what you want changed and what concerns you.
3. Ask the surgeons you meet, including any in the Issaquah area, how they perform otoplasty and what follow-up they provide.

When the patient is a child

If the patient is a child, ask the surgeon specifically about timing and how growth is taken into account.