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What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, sometimes called otoplasty, is a procedure that reduces the size and projection of the ears. Although many people don’t think of the ears as an aesthetic feature, when they are large or overly noticeable, they can draw negative attention or take away from your other features. Ear surgery brings the ears into better aesthetic proportion with the rest of the face and head, and can be especially effective when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.

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Ear Surgery Candidates
Candidates for ear surgery are people who are bothered by the appearance of one or both ears. In many cases, people who opt for ear surgery were born with large or protruding ears and may have even received comments or teasing about them. To be considered a good candidate for ear surgery, you should be in overall good health and able to take a short time away from work or school to recover. Dr. Roussel will assess your cosmetic goals and perform a full examination to determine if ear surgery is the best option for your situation.
Ear surgery is most often performed on its own, but can easily be combined with other procedures to enhance the overall aesthetic of the face, like chin surgery or rhinoplasty. Dr. Roussel will give you a professional recommendation on the best procedures to combine with your ear surgery to achieve the most balanced and natural version of yourself.
Ear Surgery Procedure Steps
Ear surgery is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Roussel will discuss the best surgical approach and anesthetic options before your procedure date. There are generally two different things that can be accomplished with ear surgery, sometimes incorporating both options. The first is ear pinning, which brings the ears closer to the head. This is accomplished by creating an incision and suturing the ears to the skin of the head. The second is ear reshaping which uses incisions to reduce extra cartilage or skin that causes the ears to be larger. Once the desired look is achieved, Dr. Roussel will close any incisions and prepare you for your short recovery.
1-2 Weeks
Ear Surgery Results and Recovery
Ear surgery typically requires one week of recovery, although you may be able to return to school or work within a couple of days. During this time, you should focus on resting and avoid strenuous activity. Dr. Roussel will give you detailed instructions on caring for your incisions, bathing, and signs of complication to watch out for. You’ll be instructed to keep your head elevated and avoid laying on your ears while resting. You may be given medications to manage swelling and ease discomfort, as well.
Within 1-2 weeks of surgery, you’ll begin to see results – although it can take several months for your final results to settle in. You’ll enjoy more proportional ears and a balanced look to your face and head. Although it’s possible for changes to occur over time or with injury, Dr. Roussel can achieve long-term results with ear surgery.


Meet Dr. Roussel
COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Dr. Lauren Roussel is a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon dedicated to exceptionally natural results and a positive, life-changing experience. With a warm and welcoming approach to surgery, she is a premier choice for patients in the Providence area and beyond.
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Consultation
If you’re ready to meet with Dr. Lauren Roussel and learn more, call (401) 444-SKIN to schedule a consultation.