Otoplasty

Surgery to alter the appearance of the auricle (external EAR). Otoplasty can be cosmetic (to improve appearance) or restorative (to treat congenital deformities or those that result from trauma and BURNS). The auricle is primarily CARTILAGE and SKIN; the cartilage gives the external ear its shape and position on the side of the head. Numerous causes account for abnormalities. Otoplasty can remodel the cartilage to alter the size, shape, and placement of the auricle and even reconstruct an auricle that is missing or severely deformed.