Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Large, prominent ears can affect your overall facial balance. Children and adults that suffer from poorly sized and shaped ears may find that their ears are a source of much ridicule and anxiety. While ear surgery is most often associated with young children, many adults can also benefit from otoplasty. Dr. Shah performs otoplasty to create ears that balance his patients’ natural facial harmony to provide them with improved confidence.
Achieved Through Otoplasty by Dr. Shah
Dr. Shah can add or remove cartilage from the ears to custom-craft a new ear shape. This process can also be used to address overly large ears, making them small and more balanced with other facial features. During ear reshaping, naturally occurring asymmetry can be addressed, and ears that are more harmonious in size and shape can be created.
Many patients seek ear surgery to correct prominent ears that stick out from the head. Dr. Shah’s ear pinning techniques help the ears lay flatter against the head. Pinning back the ears creates more discreet ears, which allows other, naturally beautiful features of your face to become the focal point of your appearance.
Some patients may find that they have only one ear that is prominent or distracting. However, Dr. Shah believes that the best, most balanced results are achieved by correcting both ears. This process creates a more symmetrical balance between the ears, ensuring even correction that results in a more natural appearance.
What Does Otoplasty Entail?
Procedure
An incision is made behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear meets the head. Through this incision, cartilage can be reshaped and molded to restructure the ear. Sutures are then used to anchor the ear in its desired position.
Recovery
The ear is covered in some soft dressings. You may experience some mild swelling and bruising. Keeping your head elevated will help minimize swelling. You cannot sleep on your side or apply any pressure to your ears for a week following your surgery. After this time, you may return to work or school and resume light activities. Your final results should be visible after two weeks.
Scars
You may develop a thin, white scar in the crease between your ear and scalp, but it will be naturally hidden behind your ears.
Cost
The cost of an otoplasty procedure depends on the extent of correction required and can be affected by hospital fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. The total cost of your procedure will be provided after a thorough consultation.
Pain
There may be some mild discomfort following your surgery. If needed, oral pain medication may be used to control any associated discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most often, otoplasty is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, local anesthesia can be used for minimal correction in adults.
It is recommended that ear surgery be performed as soon as possible to avoid emotional discomfort. However, children need to have fully developed ears before undergoing surgery. This typically occurs around six years of age. A consultation with Dr. Shah will help determine if your child is a qualifying patient.
Children have softer ear cartilage that is more conducive to molding and sculpting. Adults may have more difficulties achieving the results they desire due to harder cartilage.
Otoplasty provides long-term correction to the appearance of the ears for adults and children. As long as it is performed on fully developed ears, children can achieve results that last them the rest of their lives.
Adults commonly combine otoplasty with other facial procedures to restore an overall facial balance. It is common that rhinoplasty (nose surgery) candidates consider otoplasty as well. Some patients may also choose earlobe repair at the same time as their otoplasty to correct torn or stretched earlobes.
