Big ears – Macrotia

Frequently the patient may state that his ears are too large and disproportionate to the rest of his features. Excessive size or rotation of the ear lobes can also make it more evident and cause great discomfort.

It is not possible to move an ear and place it higher or lower, but its size can be modified to achieve proportions more in line with the rest of the features.

Reduction Otoplasty is the surgical intervention that allows the size of the ears to be modified.

The detailed analysis of the different anatomical components of the ear and the careful selection of the appropriate surgical technique for each particular case will allow us to obtain the best possible result, in complete naturalness.

To reduce the total height of an ear, the ear lobe, the pinna, or both can be shortened, depending on the shape and proportions of each ear:

The Scapha (upper area of the ears) may be too large in proportion to the middle area (concha) and/or ear lobes.

Reducing the size of the auricles balances and improves the appearance of the ears and face.

It consists of reducing the distance between the folds of the cartilage of the antihelix and helix. In very large ears it is possible to reduce the size of the entire ear or just one area:

• Reduction or elimination of the auricular or Darwin tubercle to obtain a more aesthetically proportioned ear.
• Reduction of the middle area of the ear, shortening the cartilage of the auricular concha, which also allows it to be brought closer to the skull.

This ear reduction operation requires local anesthesia and the sutures fall off on their own after about 10-20 days. Scars can be hidden in natural folds and thus go unnoticed.

Sometimes the ear lobes can be too large in proportion to the rest of normal-sized ears. Reducing the size of the lobes makes it possible to compensate for these disproportions and improve the appearance of the ears and the rest of the face.

The Earlobe Reduction operation is performed under local anesthesia and the sutures fall off on their own after about 10-20 days.

The residual scar is located on the lower margin of the lobe and is usually inapparent over time.

Large ears as a whole can be reduced with a Complete Reduction Otoplasty, treating the Scapha (upper area of the ears) and also the ear lobes, and obtaining very natural results while maintaining normal aesthetic proportions.

It is an Ear Reduction Otoplasty that is performed under local anesthesia, with sutures that fall off on their own in several days (about 10-20) and practically invisible scars.

Dr. Suñol’s Advice

It is possible to reduce the size of the ears at the same time as performing otoplasty to treat prominent or separated ears and modify their shape to bring them closer to the head. These are two different interventions that can be performed in the same surgical procedure.

• Recent blood analysis (less than 6 months).
• Do not take medications that alter coagulation (aspirin, minoxidil, etc).
• It is not necessary to come fasting.

• Local anesthesia (without sedation) in a quiet environment.
• Personally carried out by Dr. Joaquim Suñol.
• Completely painless.

• Ear reduction: 2 hours.

• It is highly recommended to stay in Barcelona 24 hours after surgery.
• Prophylactic antibiotic: 3 days (Azithromycin 1 tablet of 500mg/day).
• Analgesia: Paracetamol 1g/6h if there is pain.
• Do not wet wounds: 2 days.
• No smoking: 7 days.
• Apply 96º alcohol to the wounds after showering.
• Elastic band 24 hours/day during the first week (it can be removed a few hours a day).
• Elastic band to sleep during the second week.
• Resorbable sutures fall off on their own after 10-15 days (it is not necessary to return to the office to remove them).

Although it depends on each case, in general:

• In the first two days, swelling and bruising appear.
• From the third day onwards the ears become less swollen.
• After a week there are still traces of inflammation and bruises, which will progressively resolve as the days go by.
• Avoid baths and swimming pools for 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid physical activity for 1-2 months.
• Avoid contact sports for 8 months.
• Apply sun protection on scars during the first summer.

The cost to reduce ears and/or lobes may vary according to the technique and complexity of the intervention. Once the auricular anatomy has been analyzed by the doctor and the person’s expectations, we provide a total budget with the fees of the plastic surgeon, assistants, and clinic expenses, such as the outpatient operating room, materials and medications.

With extensive experience in auriculoplasty or auricular aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Joaquim Suñol has become a world reference in otoplasty and offers his patients permanent results of the highest quality.

If you are looking for the best surgeon for ear reduction otoplasty in Spain, make an appointment at Doctor Suñol’s office at the BE AETERNAL Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Medical Center in Barcelona.