Otoplasty

Otoplasty (Greek οὖς, oûs, "ear" + πλάσσειν plassein, "to shape") denotes the surgical and non-surgical procedures for correcting the deformities and defects of the pinna (external ear); and for reconstructing a defective, or deformed, or absent external ear, consequent to congenital conditions (e.g. microtia, anotia, etc.) and trauma (blunt, penetrating, blast). The otoplastic surgeon corrects the defect or deformity by creating an external ear that is of natural proportions, contour, and appearance, usually achieved by the reshaping, the moving, and the augmenting of the cartilaginous support framework of the pinna. Moreover, because the occurrence of congenital ear deformities occasionally overlaps with other medical conditions (e.g. Treacher Collins Syndrome, Hemifacial microsomia, etc.), corrective otoplasty procedures also are performed by a Facial Plastic surgeon, many times by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), or in other communities by the usual plastic surgeon.