Ear Reduction Surgery (Macrotia) with Dr. John Hilinski: San Diego’s Specialist in Reducing Large Ears
If you feel that your ears are too large or out of proportion with the rest of your facial features, macrotia surgery, or reduction otoplasty, may be the ideal solution. This specialized cosmetic procedure is designed to reduce the size of excessively large ears, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance. Dr. John Hilinski, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is a renowned expert in macrotia surgery in San Diego. He offers personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve natural-looking results that enhance their confidence.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
What is Macrotia?
Macrotia is a medical condition where the ears are significantly larger than average, making them appear disproportionate to the face. While macrotia does not cause any physical harm, it can greatly impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. People with macrotia often feel self-conscious about the size of their ears, which can draw unwanted attention or comments.
Macrotia surgery specifically addresses the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ear, reducing its overall size without affecting the ear’s functionality. This procedure is ideal for individuals whose ears are abnormally large but do not have significant ear protrusion.
Do I Have Macrotia?
If you are concerned about the size of your ears, Dr. Hilinski can perform a thorough assessment to determine if you have macrotia. In some cases, the front view of the ears may not reveal their excessive size, but from a side or 45-degree angle, the ears may appear disproportionately large from top to bottom.
Using specialized assessment techniques, Dr. Hilinski evaluates the long axis (vertical length) and short axis (width) of the ear. If either of these dimensions is excessive, the patient is diagnosed with macrotia.
Benefits of Macrotia Surgery
Macrotia surgery offers several benefits for patients who feel that their ears are too large:
Improved Facial Proportions
By reducing the size of the ears, macrotia surgery creates better balance between the ears and other facial features.
Increased Confidence
Many patients feel more comfortable in social settings after surgery, knowing their ears no longer draw unwanted attention.
Permanent Results
Once the ears are reshaped and reduced, the results are permanent, providing long-term satisfaction.
Minimally Visible Scars
Dr. Hilinski carefully places incisions in discreet locations to minimize visible scarring.
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How is Macrotia Surgery Performed?
Macrotia surgery typically involves making incisions along the natural creases of the ear to remove excess cartilage and skin. Dr. Hilinski uses advanced techniques to reduce both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ear, ensuring a natural and balanced outcome.
The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Recovery time is relatively short, with most patients returning to their normal routines within a week.
FAQ: Macrotia Surgery
If you feel that your ears are out of proportion with the rest of your face, you may have macrotia. Dr. Hilinski will assess your ears during a consultation, evaluating their size and shape to determine if reduction surgery is necessary.
No, macrotia surgery only reduces the size of the external ear and does not affect the inner ear or your ability to hear.
Most patients can resume their normal activities within a week. Mild swelling and discomfort are common during the first few days, but these symptoms typically subside quickly.
Yes, macrotia surgery provides permanent results. Once the excess cartilage and skin are removed, the ears will maintain their new shape and size.
Dr. Hilinski takes great care to place incisions in discreet areas, such as the natural folds of the ear. Over time, any scarring becomes minimally visible and blends in with the natural contours of the ear.
Macrotia surgery can be performed on children, but it is typically recommended once the ears have fully developed, which usually occurs around the age of five. Dr. Hilinski will assess each case individually to determine the best timing for surgery.
While both procedures involve ear surgery, otoplasty is designed to correct prominent or protruding ears by repositioning them closer to the head. Macrotia surgery, on the other hand, focuses on reducing the overall size of the ear, particularly in patients with excessively large ears.
Yes, macrotia surgery can be combined with other ear procedures, such as otoplasty or earlobe reshaping, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Ear Reduction Surgery?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in macrotia surgery and other ear procedures. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hilinski completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center, focusing exclusively on facial and neck surgeries. He also underwent advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under world-renowned surgeon Dr. Dean M. Toriumi.
Dr. Hilinski has successfully treated patients from across the country and internationally, providing personalized treatment plans and exceptional results. His reputation as a leading ear surgery specialist in San Diego makes him the ideal choice for patients seeking ear reduction surgery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you’re considering ear reduction surgery to correct the size of your ears, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hilinski, San Diego’s leading expert in macrotia surgery. With his extensive experience and personalized approach, Dr. Hilinski can help you achieve natural-looking, balanced ear aesthetics that enhance your overall appearance. Contact our office today to learn more about your options for ear reduction surgery.