Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Otoplasty is most commonly done to correct protruding ears. The procedure can make large ears appear smaller and closer to the head. It can be performed at almost any age in adults. In children, it is most often performed after age 5 or 6 when the ear has reached full development. Otoplasty, also called ear surgery, helps our Toronto patients eliminate psychological trauma when ears are corrected at an early age.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for ear pinning is to consult Dr. Rival. We encourage you to request a consultation online.

How is ear surgery done?

The incisions are well hidden behind the ears, in the crease between the ear and the skull. The underlying cartilages are then reshaped and repositioned using a suture technique. Dr. Rival strives to create a natural look so the ears do not appear "pasted" to the skull. He can combine ear surgery with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery or a face lift in Toronto.

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. If a child is young, general anesthesia may be used so the child will sleep through the surgery. For older patients, local anesthesia combined with a sedative will be used.

Because Dr. Rival is a rhinoplasty specialist, patients often have him perform ear surgery when they visit him for nose jobs in Toronto.

What to expect after surgery

A gauze bandage is worn for about a week after surgery so the ears will heal in their new, flat, position. Stitches are usually removed in about a week. Patients are instructed to wear a headband at night for an additional 2 weeks.

Most adults will be able to return to work after about 5 days; children can go back to school after about 1 week.