Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in Houston, TX

At his Houston office, triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Mentz performs ear surgery (otoplasty) to restore the balance and proportion of the ears to the rest of the face. This procedure can have a very positive emotional impact for the patient.

What is Otoplasty?

Ears that protrude or appear oversized can unbalance the rest of the features, causing self-consciousness. Otoplasty, also called ear pinning, restores the ear shape, size, and projection of the ears, correcting imperfections while removing excess bone and cartilage.

The surgery can be performed on both adults and on children as young as 5 years old. For kids, otoplasty can be a life-changing solution, stopping teasing and bullying in its tracks. For adults, otoplasty can reinstate facial symmetry and harmony. The surgery has a high rate of patient satisfaction and can be performed in combination with rhinoplasty, a facelift, or chin and cheek augmentation.

Before & After

What are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery is commonly performed for both children and adults to correct the appearance of protruding ears. Children in particular often benefit from this surgery, as it helps prevent the emotional difficulty that is often experienced as a result of being teased about their ears.

Our Houston otoplasty may include:

Re-shaping the ears
Altering the position of one or both ears
Pinning the ears back
Repairing earlobes

Why is ear surgery important?

Many individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears, especially children and teenagers, may feel the need to hide them. Teasing from others or insecurity can often be emotionally crippling, which can take a toll on a child’s life. Ear surgery gives these individuals a new confidence and can greatly improve their quality of life.

Dr. Mentz’s surgical technique for otoplasty

The technique used during your Houston ear surgery will depend on the age of the patient and their aesthetic concerns. In younger patients, the cartilage is usually soft enough that it can be re-shaped using splints. In adults the cartilage is harder, and Dr. Mentz will have to remove and/or re-position the ear cartilage through a small incision. The details of ear pinning, earlobe repair, and other ear surgeries will be thoroughly discussed during the patient’s consultation.

Recovery

The majority of our Houston otoplasty patients are able to return to work or school in 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, exercise, sports, and other strenuous activities should be avoided.

Dr. Mentz will go over specific aftercare instructions and recommendations for your specific type of ear surgery, both before the surgery and before you’re discharged.

Following surgery, bandages or an ear bolster may be put onto the ears for a few days to help with swelling, healing, and to protect the area. It’s very important that these dressings aren’t removed until you return to our office.

It’s also important to keep pressure off of the ears during recovery. This includes not sleeping on your sides.

Some patients experience discomfort, itchiness, swelling, numbness, and/or tenderness in the area, but these side effects are temporary.

If the otoplasty patient is a child, it may be helpful for their surgery to be done over summer or winter break in order for there to be enough healing time without them missing school.

Also regarding child patients, parents will need to carefully ensure that they are not scratching at the treated area or touching it. Pressure and contact with the ears should be strictly avoided during this time for the best outcome.

Results

Final results are typically visible in about three weeks. For the most part, the results from ear surgery will be permanent. In some cases, a trauma or accident may alter the shape or proportion of the ears after the surgery, but this can usually be corrected with a second surgery.

Candidates for ear surgery

If you’re in the Houston area and are considering undergoing ear surgery yourself or for your child, you or they may be an excellent candidate for the procedure. The best ear surgery candidates:

Are over the age of five
Have ears that are overly large, protrude from the head, or are misshapen
Are in good general health
Are non-smokers
Have realistic expectations of what ear surgery can accomplish

Why choose Dr. Mentz for ear surgery?

If you’re interested in ear surgery in the Houston area, Dr. Henry Mentz is your ideal surgeon. Not only does he have special expertise and training; he also provides a higher level of pre-and post-operative care with his signature concierge surgical and recovery experience. With over 30 years in practice, Dr. Mentz is an internationally respected plastic surgeon who holds the distinctive honor of being the nation’s first triple board-certified plastic surgeon (Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, and Head and Neck Surgery). He has received numerous prestigious honors for his contributions to the medical industry, and uses the most proven techniques, personalizing each procedure specifically to each unique patient. With a demeanor that is professional, friendly, warm, and compassionate, Dr. Mentz offers detail-oriented, patient-centric service; in-depth expertise, and comprehensive care. His goal is to provide an outstanding patient experience that results in aesthetic empowerment. The best you is what we do.

FAQ

What is the best age to undergo ear surgery?

Ear surgery is a great option for anyone whose ears have reached full size, which is usually around age 5 to 6 years old.

Can Dr. Mentz repair my earlobes?

Dr. Mentz can perform earlobe repair either along with ear surgery or as a standalone procedure to correct torn, stretched, or low earlobes. Dr. Mentz will discuss options for repair after a physical exam during your initial consultation.