Otoplasty is a safe and effective method for addressing large or protruding ears. However, like all surgical procedures, there are complications which can occur, such as hematoma, infection, abnormal contours, over-correction, under-correction and exposed sutures. Dr. Charles Thorne takes great care to reduce otoplasty risks and meet your aesthetic expectations. At his New York, NY, practice, Dr. Thorne uses advanced techniques to minimize the chance of serious complications.

Dr. Thorne has been performing otoplasty since 1989.

Potential Complications

Since Dr. Thorne has been performing, teaching, and writing about otoplasty for 30 years, he has developed procedures that almost completely eliminate the risk of severe complications. Dr. Thorne has chosen his procedure to eliminate the complications that are difficult or impossible to treat, such as over-correction or unnatural contours. The complications that Dr. Thorne’s technique has not totally eliminated are under-correction and protruding sutures.

Infection

Dr. Thorne has never seen an infection occur with a patient after an otoplasty. This does not mean it is impossible but it must be extremely rare.

Hematoma

On very rare occasions, a patient may develop a collection of blood in one ear known as a hematoma. This requires drainage but amounts to nothing more than an inconvenience.

Over-correction

One of the most difficult complications to treat is over-correction, when the ear has been pulled too close to the head. This frequently requires using cartilage grafts to help unbend the cartilage and return the ear toward a more natural position. Dr. Thorne has treated many cases of over-correction but has not created one himself in his entire career.

Under-correction

Approximately a half dozen times in Dr. Thorne’s career he has had patients who felt the ears were under-corrected and who desired slightly more setback. While rare, this complication is much easier to treat than over-correction and can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

Protruding sutures

Dr. Thorne uses permanent sutures behind the ear. Occasionally over the life of the patient these sutures can poke out and become visible. If this occurs, the sutures are easily removed.

Gradual Reversal of Treatment

Ears consist mainly of cartilage, a tissue which has a large amount of natural elasticity. Over the years, the ears could begin to return to their original position. In most cases, Dr. Thorne takes this into consideration during planning and surgery, allowing ears to shift slightly over time, while maintaining your results. However, he also offers otoplasty revision for patients who want to address issues of reversal.

Modern Techniques for Reduced Risk

In the past, otoplasty techniques involved removing cartilage and making full-thickness incisions in the cartilage. These older techniques resulted in sharp edges and had a higher risk for permanent deformities. Dr. Thorne has been performing otoplasty since 1989. Over the years, he has cultivated his skills and chosen the techniques which carry the lowest risks for severe complications. The only complications associated with his chosen methods are under-correction and suture exposure, both of which are highly treatable.

Learn More about Otoplasty

Choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial to ensuring you achieve the results you desire. If you are interested in addressing large or protruding ears, Dr. Thorne can provide a low-risk, highly effective otoplasty procedure. For more information, send our office a message or call (212) 794-0044 today.

As we age, many aspects of our appearance change, including the size and shape of our ears. Changes in skin elasticity and loss of tissue can cause earlobes to deflate and become longer. For many older individuals, this combination results in ears that appear too large. Dr. Charles Thorne provides both surgical and non-surgical ear rejuvenation treatments to restore a more youthful appearance. Depending on your needs and goals, your treatment may involve fillers, fat transfer, earlobe shortening, or lobe repair. In addition, patients who have had a previous facelift may have unsightly scars around their ears or an unusual lobe attachment, also known as pixie ears. These concerns may require a re-do facelift. Dr. Thorne is a specialist in ear surgery and facelift surgery and can provide a wide variety of treatments at his office in New York, NY.

Why Consider Ear Rejuvenation?

Many patients over the age of 40 begin to notice sagging around many parts of their body and the ears are no exception. Gravity, loss of volume, and sun damage can cause lobes to sag. Piercing holes can become stretched and elongated. Wearing heavy earrings regularly or sleeping with earrings in can further contribute to this problem. In some cases, lobes can even appear wrinkled or deflated.

With ear rejuvenation, patients can enjoy:

• Plumper, smaller, and more rounded lobes
• Earrings that sit straighter and higher in the ear
• A softer ear hole crease
• An overall more youthful ear
• Improvement in scars from a previous facelift

Dr. Thorne can also fix a range of other complications from earrings, including torn lobes or cartilage, to restore the appearance of your ears.

Your Treatment Options

As a specialist in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the ear, Dr. Thorne can provide a wide range of surgical and non-surgical ear rejuvenation options. In general, there is no major difference between the recovery time or cost between the surgical and non-surgical options.

The best way to determine the right option is to schedule an appointment at our practice. Dr. Thorne can discuss your goals, preferences, and budget with you to determine the best treatment plan.

Ear rejuvenation can help fight signs of aging and restore the youthful balance of your face.

Fat Transfer

Some patients prefer to replace lost volume with their own fatty tissue rather than using synthetic fillers. With this option, fat is first harvested from another area of your body, such as the abdomen or upper thighs, and then purified in a centrifuge to isolate the best tissue.

Then, Dr. Thorne can inject the fat into your lobes to restore a rounder, more youthful appearance. The benefit of fat transfer is that the results last longer.

Earlobe Shortening

Dr. Thorne can also perform earlobe shortening. This procedure is short, requiring only about 20 minutes per ear. Most patients only require local anesthesia and the healing time is about seven days.

During this treatment, Dr. Thorne can remove excess skin and restore the correct length and shape of your lobes. While most patients choose to undergo earlobe shortening as a solo procedure, it can also be done at the same time as a facelift or otoplasty.

Dermal Fillers

A popular non-invasive option for deflated or elongated earlobes is treatment with a dermal filler. The filler is injected into the lobe with a fine needle, adding volume to minimize wrinkles and creases. This treatment is virtually painless.

However, it is also temporary. Most dermal fillers last between six and 12 months. Dr. Thorne only uses fillers made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance which encourages collagen production.

Make Minor Revisions for a More Youthful Look

Ear rejuvenation can help fight signs of aging and restore the youthful balance of your face. For more information about ear rejuvenation or the other treatments Dr. Thorne offers, contact our office online or call (212) 794-0044.

If you have undergone surgery to improve the appearance of an ear deformity, you understand the significance of trusting a plastic surgeon with your well-being and appearance. Dr. Charles Thorne can perform revision otoplasty in New York City for patients who are unhappy with the results of previous procedures or who have experienced a failed otoplasty. There are several conditions of the ear in which Dr. Thorne can provide surgical repair, both cosmetically and functionally, and he can offer the precise and effective care that you need.

Before & After

The results of a typical revision otoplasty surgery can take time to fully visible. Dr. Thorne typically recommends that patients wait until they have completely recovered from the initial procedure before pursuing revisions.

When to Pursue Revision Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects prominence and other deformities of the external ear. While generally safe and predictable, complications can occur.

If you have had an otoplasty and are not happy with the results, Dr. Thorne may be able to help you. When your ears have completely healed from the first surgery, Dr. Thorne will assess the problem and discuss your goals for revision otoplasty. Improvements can almost always be made but sometimes it is impossible to completely eliminate evidence of the primary procedure.

Common complaints or complications after otoplasty that Dr. Thorne can improve are: undercorrection of prominent ears (ears still too far from the head), over correction of prominent ears (ears too close to the head), unnatural contours, visible scars, sharp edges, earlobe deformities and ears that were not recognized as too large at the initial procedure. Under correction is always easier to treat than over correction. If the ears are too close to the head Dr. Thorne may take cartilage from the rib cage to wedge behind the ear to recreate the projection.

Understanding the Risks

As with any reconstructive surgery, revision otoplasty carries a certain amount of risk. The main risk, however, is not a serious health problem but rather that the appearance of the ears, while improved, falls short of your ideal.

“Thorne strives to perform surgery that provides natural-looking results, minimal recovery time and complications, as well as improved quality of life for all patients.”

Dr. Thorne will give you his best estimate of what the outcome will be and how close to “perfect” it will be. With 30 years of experience he can usually predict when he can achieve what you are looking for and when that is not possible and he will attempt to adjust your expectations accordingly, outline potential risks tied to the treatment, and thoroughly explain what kinds of results you can expect before moving forward with surgery.

Decades of Experience

Dr. Thorne strives to perform surgery that provides natural-looking results, minimal recovery time and complications, as well as improved quality of life for all patients. He has over 25 years of experience helping patients achieve symmetrically shaped ears, and has successfully trained several surgeons to practice his techniques.

You can trust that you will be receiving the best care from a top surgeon. With his many years of experience, he can ensure a safe procedure with limited complications and the best possible effects for your case.

Discover Your Treatment Options

If you have had otoplasty surgery and are unsatisfied with the final results, Dr. Thorne can provide the gentle care that you need in order to achieve the results you desire. To learn more, read answers to frequently asked questions and contact our office to schedule your consultation.

Skin tags are a common but bothersome small, soft growth of skin. These excess tissues primarily appear on the neck, armpits, and eyelids and typically do not pose any health risks. Some patients, however, develop very visible skin tags on the ears, and can feel uncomfortable with their appearance. Dr. Charles Thorne can safely perform ear skin tag removalsurgery at his New York City practice. Dr. Thorne has over 25 years of experience performing a variety of cosmetic ear surgeries, and can provide safe, effective care to help you achieve your desired aesthetics.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are among the most common skin growths, are harmless, and usually do not need to be removed. However, most patients are unsatisfied with their appearance and thus seek to remove them. Skin tags can grow anywhere, but are most commonly found on the neck, armpits, groin area, and under the breasts. These growths are also known to be found on the eyelids and ears. While anyone can develop a skin tag, they are most prominent in older individuals, especially those with diabetes, and those who are obese. Pregnant women are also likely to develop skin tags, which is most likely due to their fluctuating hormones. Further, skin tags are known to develop where clothing rubs against the skin the most.

"Dr. Thorne can safely and painlessly remove ear skin tags during a quick five to 10 minute procedure at his office."

Skin Tags and Moles

Skin tags are commonly mistaken for moles or freckles. While they may seem similar, they are very different. Almost every individual will have a mole at some point in their lifetime, if not several. Moles are skin growths that are usually benign, and have a tan, brown, or black tone. They are caused by a cluster of cells growing in one area, and can be flat or raised. Moles can grow larger and can lead to serious issues, such as skin cancer. Skin tags do not pose this same risk. Patients can typically identify a skin tag rather because they are moveable, usually being held to the skin by only a small stalk of skin. Conversely, moles are generally fixed to the surface of the skin and cannot be moved.

Removing Ear Skin Tags

Dr. Thorne can safely and painlessly remove ear skin tags during a quick 15 minute procedure at his office. There are a variety of methods that can be used for the removal of your skin tag. These growths can be burnt or frozen off. Dr. Thorne can also surgically remove skin tags using a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort before excising the tissue. In some cases, you can also attempt to remove your skin tag on your own if it is small enough. If you pursue this route, make sure you secure the base by using dental floss to restrict its blood supply. Then you can take sterile scissors and cut the skin tag as close to the base as possible. Bleeding is normal and should subside momentarily.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have a skin tag on your ear that you would like removed quickly and safely, contact our office today. Dr. Thorne can help you remove irritating tissue to improve the aesthetics of your ear and your confidence.

There are many abnormalities and imperfections in ear shape that are congenital (present at birth). Ears can be overly protruding or have an unusual shape or both. These conditions can be treated effectively through ear surgery or otoplasty. If detected at birth and treated within the first few weeks of life, many of these conditions can be treated non-surgically with ear molding.

What is ear molding?

Ear molding is a type of non-surgical treatment that is performed right after birth. This treatment decreases the likelihood and sometimes eliminates the need for corrective surgery when the child is older.  

The ears develop during the first 4 weeks of fetal gestation.  If that process does not occur completely, then various forms of underdeveloped ears may be present at birth. One of these conditions is called anotia and reconstructive ear surgery (the most major form of otoplasty) can help.

What is Anotia?

Anotia is the most extreme form of microtia. Microtialiterally means “little ear” and can be just that - a little ear - or it can refer to almost complete absence of the ear with the presence of only a nubbin of tissue where the ear would normally be. Anotia refers to the complete absence of any ear remnant at all. Microtia is quite common but anotia is extremely rare; there is almost always some evidence of an ear. These conditions most commonly affect one ear (90% of the time) and much less commonly affect both ears (10% of the time). When the outer, visible portion of the ear is underdeveloped, the ear canal and eardrum are usually absent and the middle ear is also usually underdeveloped, resulting in hearing loss on that side. 

Dr. Charles Thorne is an experienced surgeon who has been performing otoplasty surgery in the New York, NY, area for over 30 years for both children and adults dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears. This cosmetic ear surgery is often recommended to reshape and reposition ears that protrude away from the head. It can also be used to address overly large ears and certain ear deformities. If you style your hair to conceal your ears, avoid wearing hats and hairstyles that draw attention to your ears, or are simply unhappy with their appearance, you may benefit greatly from otoplasty surgery.

Otoplasty with reduction of upper ear

Who is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty Surgery?

Ears come in all shapes and sizes and are unique to the individual patient. No matter the cause of your concern, your procedure will be precisely customized to your needs. Otoplasty surgery can address a number of cosmetic imperfections, including:

• Overly large ears
• Protruding ears
• Ears that are deformed as a result of birth defects or injury
• Uneven ears
• Unsatisfactory results from a previous otoplasty

Candidates for otoplasty surgery include patients at any age from four to 90. However, many parents choose to wait until the child is old enough to voice their opinion on whether or not to undergo treatment, typically around age seven. Before undergoing surgery, patients and parents should have realistic expectations and a positive perspective for what otoplasty can provide.

Planning Your Otoplasty Procedure

The first step to improving your appearance is meeting with Dr. Thorne during a private consultation to discuss your concerns and goals. He will also perform a complete medical examination to make sure you are a good candidate for otoplasty surgery. This will include reviewing your medical history, current medications, and evaluating you for any signs of ear infections or medical conditions that could cause complications and compromise your results.

Ears come in all shapes and sizes and are unique to the individual patient. No matter the cause of your concern, your procedure will be precisely customized to your needs.

After deeming you a good candidate, a treatment plan tailored to your unique goals will be created and carefully explained in detail. You will also be given a list of pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions that should be followed to assist in your recovery.

What to Expect During Treatment

On the day of your procedure, you will be taken to a private surgical room. Dr. Thorne offers both local and general anesthesia. The type used will depend on your age and the intricacy of the procedure. Local anesthesia is typically administered for teens and adults, while general anesthesia is used for young children.

Incisions

Once you are comfortable, Dr. Thorne will begin the procedure. The location of the incisions will be contingent on the imperfections being addressed. For overly large, uneven, or misshapen ears, incisions will be discreetly made in the natural folds of the ear. This allows Dr. Thorne to decrease and reshape the cartilage and skin. When ears protrude, an incision will be made in the back of the ear in the natural crease so Dr. Thorne can move the ears closer to the head.

Sutures and Bandages

Once the ears are properly positioned, Dr. Thorne will close the incisions. Permanent sutures are frequently left in the ear under the skin to hold the cartilage in the correct position. The sutures on the outside are absorbable and do not require removal. Dr. Thorne will carefully apply fluff bandages to protect the ears. You will also be given a compression headband to wear after the bandages are removed to keep the ears properly contoured. The overall procedure typically takes an hour and a half, and you can expect to fully return to normal activities within two weeks.

Financing is Available

The overall cost of otoplasty surgery is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of anesthesia used, the complexity of the procedure, surgical fees, and exams and lab tests. Because it is typically considered an elective procedure, most insurance companies do not cover treatment. To help offset costs, Dr. Thorne accepts CareCredit® financing to assist with out-of-pocket expenses.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about otoplasty and how it can benefit you or your child, we invite you to meet with Dr. Thorne. He will take all the time necessary to explain the procedure, benefits, and risks and answer any questions or concerns you may have. To schedule your consultation, please contact us online or give us a call at (212) 794-0044. We also have provided answers to many common questions on our site for you to read in the meantime.

Are you considering having plastic surgery of the ears? If so, here are some of the things you should know about the ear surgery known as otoplasty.

Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure on the ears that corrects excessive ear protrusion, excessive ear size, and/or corrects imperfections in the shape or contour of the ears. In the most common situation, the ears are of normal size and shape but protrude too far from the head. In those cases, otoplasty involves ear pinning or simply moving the ears closer to the head. In other cases, the otoplasty may involve ear pinning as described above but also involve other maneuvers to make your ears fit your face. An ear on a tall man may look perfect but that same ear on a small woman may look too prominent or too large.