Ear Surgery

A procedure known as otoplasty, or ear reshaping, is used to correct the size, shape, and/or placement of an individual’s ears. It can be a transformative procedure for both children and adults whose ears protrude, improving self-confidence and quality of life. Dr. Poulos in Worcester has created a comfortable, discreet and inviting practice atmosphere where patients of all ages feel at ease.

What is otoplasty?

Ear pinning is typically done at our state-of-the-art surgical suite in our Northborough location. It is an especially effective form of cosmetic surgery, as its low risk of side effects, affordability, and ease of recovery make the procedure accessible to most patients. It is one of the most popular procedures our male patients request. Many of our patients experience an immediate boost of confidence, particularly the younger ones.

How does Dr. Poulos treat torn earlobes?

Torn earlobes can occur due to trauma or after wearing heavy earrings for an extended period of time. If this occurs, a simple office-based procedure can be used to repair the tear. You’ll leave the office with a small bandage covering just the earlobe itself. Healing time for earlobe repair is generally four-six weeks.

In addition to torn earlobes, sometimes earlobes can become pulled or stretched over time, particularly if the patient wore heavy earrings or gauge earrings. After facelifts, the earlobe can appear attached to the head, and stretched. This “pixie” earlobe can also be corrected in our in-office surgery suite.

Earlobe Repair

Another version of ear surgery offered by Dr. Poulos is earlobe repair. This procedure is performed to repair earlobes that have been stretched, damaged, or torn. Most commonly, earlobe repair is used to treat individuals who have had an earlobe stretch or tear due to gauges or earrings. However, the procedure can also be performed to repair other types of earlobe damage caused by sudden trauma.

Typically, earlobe repair is a relatively quick and simple procedure. During the surgery, Dr. Poulos may remove excess skin from the damaged earlobe or rotate some of the earlobe tissue. In most cases, the procedure will involve closing a wound with sutures. On average, earlobe repair surgery takes only 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients can return to work within a few days.

Earlobe Reduction

When you wear earrings regularly over many years, it can gradually cause your earlobes to stretch out. This will not only affect the aesthetics of your ears, but it will also disrupt your overall facial balance. Fortunately, Dr. Poulos offers an ear surgery technique known as earlobe reduction. During this simple procedure, Dr. Poulos carefully removes excess tissue from the earlobe to reduce the stretched appearance. She then precisely reshapes the remaining tissue to give the ear a proportionate appearance that perfectly suits the patient’s facial structure.

Earlobe reduction surgery usually takes only around 30 minutes to an hour, and you should be able to resume your normal routine in less than a week.

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

Creates more proportionate ears
Corrects ear deformities
Improves ear symmetry
Can reduce teasing or taunting
Helps boost self-confidence in one’s image
More choices in hairstyle and wardrobe

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?

Ear pinning can be performed on children as young as six (when the ear is fully formed) and adults. Patients should be healthy, both emotionally and physically, and should have realistic expectations for their results, based on their consultation with Dr. Poulos in Northborough.

What can I expect from the procedure?

Most ear pinning procedures are performed under light sedation. Usually, an ear pinning takes around two hours to complete and the patient may return home immediately following surgery. The scars resulting from ear pinning are quite small and easily hidden by the crease behind the ear.

What can I expect from recovery?

The recovery from an ear pinning is usually very simple: patients will wear a dressing to mold and apply pressure to the ears. The band used to protect the ears will continue to be worn at night, anywhere from two to four weeks. One to two days after the ear pinning, the patient should return to have the bandages removed.

Why choose Dr. Poulos?

Dr. Poulos is a consummate, compassionate and highly skilled cosmetic surgeon who offers elegant, personalized results in a state-of-the-art setting. After receiving her medical degree from the State University of New York School of Medicine, Dr. Poulos went on to pursue her residency in general surgery at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut, subsequently completing an additional residency in plastic surgery at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester. Dr. Poulos is a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of General Surgery, and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.