subject: My Story Of Being Bullied Because Of My Ears: Why I Got An Otoplasty [print this page] Ever since I was a little boy, I have been bullied and picked on because of my ear size. By the time I was 12 or so, I had probably been called Dumbo and Big Ears too many times to count. Such comments are very hurtful; I would never wish this on anyone. My ears are naturally big, I guess due to my genetics. My grandpa and father both have larger ears, so that would explain why I did. I never really cared about the fact; after all, I think we are all taught early in life not to make fun of people in any respect. The sad truth is that not matter what we teach kids, they will always find a way to bully someone. I was made of fun on multiple occasions of how large my ears were when I was a kid, and even received comments from co-workers and my peers in my later years.
I remember wishing I could change the way I looked. What I did not know was help was available, that I was not destined to have large ears for the rest of my life. I had never considered getting plastic surgery, because due to being uninformed, I did not know there was a surgery for reducing ones ear size. I am very happy that I took the time to look further into this, because it ultimately led me to where I am today. An Otoplasty was the answer for me, and I can not express in words how much happier I am now. My ear size was reduced a considerable amount and the shape of my ears are much more proportionate to my face. It has been a few months since I had the surgery, and I am almost completely healed. This was one of my main concerns, that I recovery would not be a long drawn out process.
When I had my consultation with the plastic surgeon, I was told that I had prominent ears. There are many reasons for why an Otoplasty is considered a necessary option, and mine tends to be the most prevalent. Before my surgery, my ears protruded outwards at to a point where my face looked really awkward. This is why I got called Dumbo by so many people growing up. I remember grabbing my ears with my hands in an attempt to flatten them against my head. Thinking back on this, it is as almost as if I knew what needed to be done, but never connected the dots. The plastic surgeon essentially reframed my outer ears in a way that made them lay more flat against my head. They no longer protrude, and I have been told by many people that my profile looks much more squared away. I take this as a compliment. The only regret I have about my experience is not getting an Otoplasty sooner in life. I feel like a brand new person, and am so grateful for the work I received.
