Ear Surgery in Chicago, IL

Dr. Michael Epstein and Dr. Karol Gutowski are gifted plastic surgeons who offer a variety of plastic surgery procedures to residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois. In the paragraphs below, they explain the otoplasty (ear surgery) procedure, how it is performed, and the expected recovery time.

What is Otoplasty?

An otoplasty (commonly referred to as ear surgery) is performed to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

How is an Otoplasty performed?

Otoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. A small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage will then be sculpted and bent back toward the head. Stitches will be used to maintain the new shape.

Another technique that can be performed is by placing a small incision in the back of the ear, the skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back onto itself to reshape the ear. It is not necessary to remove any cartilage for this technique.  The otoplasty procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, but may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

What to expect during the recovery period:

• The head will be wrapped in a bandage for several days to promote the best healing and molding.
• Ears may ache or throb a little for the first few days, but can be controlled with medication.
• Stitches will be removed or will dissolve in approximately 1 week.
• Any activity involving the ear being bent should be avoided for at least 4 weeks.

Dr. Michael A. Epstein and Dr. Karol A. Gutowski have received critical acclaim for their exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques in the area of plastic surgery for residents of Chicago, the Chicagoland area, Naperville, Northbrook and surrounding communities in Illinois.

Active members of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, they have been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. As trusted resources who are highly respected by both the media and their peers, Dr. Epstein’s and Dr. Gutowski’s training, education and surgical skills have made them two of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. Their primary offices are located in Northbrook, Illinois with satellite offices in downtown Chicago and Schaumburg.