Throughout their 40 years of combined surgical experience, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Elliott and Dr. Summer Black have become well-versed in surgeries (both major and minor) of the ears. Plastic surgery of the ears (ear pinning) is known in the medical community as otoplasty, which improves the shape and size of the ears in relation to the patient's head. At Dr. Black Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we perform otoplasty on children as young as 5, but our services for the ears are not limited to ear pinning for children (mainly to stop teasing and/or bullying from other children). Adults, who have misshapen ears, or damaged ears from trauma, also seek the help of a trusted plastic surgeon at our office in Metairie, LA as well. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can redefine the shape and size of the overall ear appearance with their artistic skill and talent in surgical techniques. 

We also offer treatments to help patients with torn earlobes, skin damage on the earlobe, and gauged earlobe repair. If you have a question about the condition of your ears, or would like to set up a consultation for your child with large, protruding ears, please call and set up a consultation at our office.

Our ear surgery patients should be at least 5-years-of-age, and have one of the following concerns:

• Ears that protrude or stick out from the head
• Ears that are misshapen from a trauma or congenital defect
• Ears that are disproportionately large compared to the head
• Earlobes that are torn from wearing heavy earrings, traumatic injury, or gauged earlobes (body art modifications)

Otoplasty reshapes the ears by making small incisions behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then removed and reshaped until the ear reaches the desired size and shape. Any excess skin is removed from the ear and in some cases, the ears will be repositioned closer to the head. The technique to treat protrusion (ears that stick out from the head) is commonly referred to as the "pinning back" of the ears.  The overall goal of otoplasty is to give patients natural-looking ears and to restore their self-confidence.

Patients can expect swelling and bruising after undergoing otoplasty. However, this will subside after the first couple of weeks of recovery. An elastic headband is usually worn for the first several weeks after surgery to keep the ears in their new position and patients are advised to avoid strenuous work for approximately 1 – 2 months after their surgery. Children who have otoplasty will need to be closely monitored throughout the healing process, so they do not compromise the healing of their ears or cause agitation by rubbing or scratching.

Otoplasty can help patients, especially children, enjoy the way they look and restore their confidence and happiness. Having misshapen or excessively large ears can cause unwanted attention and teasing that can affect self esteem. We encourage anyone who is looking into otoplasty for themselves or their children to schedule a consultation. It is our goal to help you feel good about your appearance. If you have other questions about your ears, or need a repair of a torn earlobe, please call and schedule your consultation at your earliest convenience at Dr. Black Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.