Otoplasty, or ear surgery, addresses cosmetic concerns like prominent, oversized, or misshapen ears, enhancing their shape for a more balanced, natural appearance.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning, is performed to reduce overly prominent ears. Richmond area facial plastic surgeon Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS, helps patients as young as 4-6 years old by surgically modifying ears that are over-sized, stick out, or have developed in an abnormal shape. While the typical otoplasty patient is a young child, otoplasty can be performed at any age. For adults, the surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in the clinic.
Surgical Technique
The technique used during otoplasty will depend on the abnormality. The incision is generally placed along the natural crease behind the ear, which is nearly invisible after healing. The most common issue with protruding ears is the under-formation of the antihelical fold. This is the main fold of the upper part of the ear. The surgical goal can be simulated by folding this part of the ear back. The fold is typically created or enhanced surgically by placing permanent sutures that pull the cartilage together across the fold. Further stitches can be placed to bring the entire ear closer to the head as well. Great care is taken to make the two sides as symmetric as possible.
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L.C.
Dear Dr. Bridges, Thank you so much for your amazing work on my nose! I'm so thrilled with how it looks, and I couldn't be happier! I hope you have a great rest of your summer.
Anonymous
Dr Bridges takes the time to know his patients conditions and explains what must be done for treatment in user friendly language. staff is proficient and seems to genuinely care...
R.S.
Dr. Bridges performed very complex surgery on my nose to repair a large loss to my left nostril due to cancer. At all times he ensured that I understood what the procedure would...
J.W.
Extremely happy with the outcome of my nose surgery. I had sleep apnea....I was a true mouth breather. My nasal passages were thin slits! Dr Bridges gave me new cartilage ...
D.B.
Dr. Bridges is an outstanding doctor. His easygoing personality and high level of expertise really set him apart from other doctors. He is a master of his craft and I know when ...
J.S.
Dr Bridges is wonderful, so relatable and made me feel comfortable from the start. Thorough assessment that led to a wonderful result. Was sent to him for my deviated sept...
J.H.
I had a most wonderful experience at this office. The staff are great and support the patient before/after surgery. I would tell everyone to come to this office. Dr. Bridges exp...
Anonymous
Truly an amazing experience. Franki explained the laser procedure with me and made me feel extremely comfortable. I would highly recommend commonwealth and Franki for any services!
A.B.
Dr. Bridges is fantastic. I always wanted a rhinoplasty but I waited to find the right surgeon. He's patient, listens, and delivers excellent results. He also fixed my dev...
T.H.
Super friendly staff. Dr Bridges did the impossible. I had gone to several consultations with plastic surgeons in the Richmond area to fix a surgery I had on my nose about...
J.D.
I got a septo/rhinoplasty with Dr. Bridges and had an amazing experience! The process was seamless from start to finish. I felt prepared for surgery and had a quick and ea...
S.R.
Dr. Bridges reminds me of the old time family doctors…empathetic, competent, efficient. I wish all of my doctors were like him. Additionally, he has surrounded hims...
V.H.
Dr. Bridges performed my rhinoplasty in June 2024 and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I wanted a rhinoplasty for years but kept putting it off. My tip really...
A.F.
Super friendly staff. Dr Bridges did the impossible. I had gone to several consultations with plastic surgeons in the Richmond area to fix a surgery I had on my nose about...
J.D.
Dr Bridges performed a Lipoma removal procedure on my forehead and I am truly satisfied. He is an excellent physician. His nurse is awesome as well. I was extremely nervou...
T.Y.
Getting rhinoplasty to correct my larger nose has been a lifelong dream of mine, but the idea of doing it has always been scary/intimidating. Dr. Bridges and his team made...
D.D.
I feel so grateful to have met Franki Lambiotte, the aesthetician at Dr. Bridges' practice!
I'd been interested in laser hair removal/reduction for...
C.B.F.
My family have been patients at this practice for over 10 years. Franki Lambiotte has been wonderful with her services. My parents gave me laser hair removal packages as a...
E.F.
Dr. Bridges is an amazing facial plastic surgeon, and we're so lucky to have him here in RVA. Amazing bedside manner, and actually listens to what you want to work with yo...
M.P.
I’m blown away, pun intended. From the moment Dr. Shaia recommended Bridges, I have felt that my level of care was akin to what the president receives. The expertise...
L.R.
Dr. Bridges is fantastic. I always wanted a rhinoplasty but I waited to find the right surgeon. He's patient, listens, and delivers excellent results. He also fixed my dev...
T.H.
I had rhinoplasty by Dr. Bridges on November 20th 2019, almost 2 months ago. I had a great experience as a whole. Dr. Bridges was easy to talk to and his staff were all ve...
J.S.
I was lucky enough to be one of the first of Franki’s clients to try the laser hair removal, Bare HR by Sciton, and loved the results on my legs and armpits. Franki ...
M.W.
Franki has been my aesthetician for several years. I visit her every 2 or 3 months for either a hydrafacial or dermaplane facial. More recently, Franki recommended that I ...
S.W.
In my teens, a mishap left my nose with a slight deviation and fractured. As the years passed, my nasal deviation worsened, turning my nose into something akin to a wilted...
Anonymous
For the past few years I’ve been watching the lines on my face getting deeper and jowls forming. It was when I started to see my neck sagging that it was time to get...
Anonymous
During/After Surgery
Otoplasties in children are performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Adults can have the procedure under local anesthesia in the office. The entire surgery typically takes about two hours to complete and is done as an outpatient. After surgery, patients will be sent home with their heads wrapped in a bandage, which will be removed and replaced the next day in the office. A removable headband is worn around the clock as much as possible for the next week, then at night only for several more weeks. Younger patients will need to be monitored so they do not touch or play with their ears during the healing process.
Ear Surgery FAQ
Are the results of otoplasty permanent?
What is the ideal age for ear surgery?
Is otoplasty performed on one ear or both?
Are the results of otoplasty permanent?
The results following an otoplasty in Richmond, VA, with Dr. Bridges are long-lasting. However, just like any other cosmetic procedure, aging and gravity may cause increased laxity, which could eventually affect the position of the ears. For the most part, the improvements made with this surgery are considered permanent.
What is the ideal age for ear surgery?
Children between the ages of four and six are considered within the ideal range for this surgery. Believe it or not, from an anatomical standpoint, the ears have reached nearly adult size around this age. From a psychological standpoint, having this surgery before starting elementary school can help avoid teasing and ridicule from classmates. Some studies have shown that performing this surgery for children younger than age six can offer excellent results.
Is otoplasty performed on one ear or both?
In the majority of cases, both ears are affected. Therefore, surgery is performed on both ears. However, sometimes, only one ear is prominent and asymmetric to the other side. If this is the case, surgery will be performed on the affected ear, which will be made to match the opposing ear.
