Otoplasty (Greek ,
oûs, "ear" +
plássein, "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, or
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, the occurrence of congenital ear deformities occasionally overlaps with other medical conditions (e.g.
Treacher Collins syndrome and
hemifacial microsomia).