Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

A helping hand for your ears. A confidence boost for you.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, corrects the shape, position or size of your ears for a more natural look and balance to your face. It's a common treatment for ear defects from birth or injury. Our otoplasty program is an out-patient procedure led by board-certified plastic surgeons in Chambersburg, Ephrata, Lebanon and York.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?

While otoplasty is a great option for kids and adults who need ear reconstruction, you do need to meet certain criteria.

Children need to be:

  • healthy
  • without life-threatening illnesses
  • without untreated chronic ear infections
  • old enough to have stable ear cartilage
  • cooperative and able to communicate

Teens and adults need to be:

  • healthy
  • without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • realistic about their goals for ear surgery

What to expect when getting otoplasty

Before ear surgery

  • You'll have a consultation to craft a personalized plan for your surgery and recovery.
  • You'll need lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  • You may need to take medications or adjust your current medications.
  • If you smoke, you'll need to stop.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
  • Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.

During ear surgery

  • The procedure is out-patient and usually takes one to three hours.
  • Depending on the details of your surgery, you may stay awake with a local numbing agent or be asleep with general anesthesia.

After ear surgery

  • Your ears will be in bandages, which must stay intact.
  • You'll need to keep your ears clean and supported while they heal.
  • Itchiness and discomfort are normal symptoms.
  • Your surgical team will give you instructions on pain medication and a follow-up appointment.
  • Recovery time is usually between four and six weeks.

Benefits of ear surgery

If you or your child is struggling with an ear defect, otoplasty has a lot to offer, physically and emotionally.

  • More natural and balanced look. From cosmetic changes to birth or injury reconstruction, otoplasty can give your ears the look and feel you always wanted.
  • Lifelong results. Otoplasty is typically permanent, giving you or your child an entire life with natural, balanced ears.
  • Self-confidence. While otoplasty only changes your physical appearance, it's absolutely a self-esteem boost, which can give you comfort and confidence in social situations.

Meet our experts

Board-certified plastic surgeons with more than a decade of otoplasty experience. Supported by a caring and attentive team.

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Why choose WellSpan for otoplasty?

While this surgery only focuses on your ears, it affects all of you. Know that we're here to build your confidence by understanding your needs, concerns and preferences, before operating with expert care and precision.

Excellence and safety above all

Our plastic surgeons have performed successful otoplasties for more than a decade. Their track record and manner of care make for a safe and exceptional experience with high-quality results.

Advanced techniques

Our team is well-versed in an array of minimally invasive techniques, like ear augmentation, ear pinning, ear reduction and more.

In-depth consultations

A beautiful plan leads to stunning results. We start with an in-depth discussion about expectations, ear anatomy and any related risks to make sure you feel like we're the right fit.

Convenient locations

When surgery is involved, staying close to home and your family makes a world of difference. That's why we perform otoplasties in Chambersburg, Ephrata, Lebanon, and York.

Making "the details" easy

We try to save you time when possible. Like virtual appointments and MyWellSpan for simple scheduling, messaging your surgical team, and easy access to test results.