Were you made miserable as a child because your ears stuck out too far or they were disproportionate to your face? An otoplasty procedure may correct a variety of issues with your ears. If you want to change the appearance of your ears, contact Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment.
The Basics of an Otoplasty
Otoplasty is performed on patients who want to improve their ears’ shape, proportion, or position. It may create a naturally-shaped ear while ensuring it’s still proportionate to your head and face. Whether you have a minor flaw or a birth defect, an otoplasty may be able to significantly change that. Unlike most other plastic surgeries, this is one that may be performed successfully on a child.
Candidates for Otoplasty
Children may be the patients most commonly undergoing an otoplasty. A good candidate for the surgery may be at least five years of age because their cartilage is finally strong enough to undergo the correction. They should be healthy without any untreated chronic ear infections and have the ability to follow directions and communicate their feelings. Adult candidates should simply be healthy and a non-smoker.
The Surgery
This procedure may require some form of anesthesia for your comfort and safety. Minor otoplasty surgeries are performed using local anesthesia, specifically if the ear is being tucked to reduce how far it sticks out from the head. If you have a more substantial otoplasty, you may be put to sleep using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The incisions may be made on the backside of the ear where it connects to the head. If it needs to be made on the front of the ear, the cut may be made inside the cartilage folds to hide them as much as possible.
Recovery
This is considered a surgery. The recovery may be similar to that of almost any surgery. You may need to take it easy for a few days, and we may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics if necessary. It may be a few weeks before you can return to your regular activities comfortably. The length of your recovery may depend entirely on how intensive your otoplasty is. Whether you want your ears more proportionate to your head, or you have a flaw you want to repair, an otoplasty may be a viable option for your goals. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to see if they can give you the results you’re wanting. Contact Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery today.
