1. Otoplasty over view
Having large ears can cause self-esteem
issues. These issues stem from being teased
and taunted with names like Dumbo or
Mickey Mouse. At the age of five and six
many children begin to notice their large ears.
This becomes intimidating and embarrassing
for many children but more commonly boys
because girls can generally hide their ears
behind their hair. The ears are normally fully
grown after the age of five and many parents
then are ok with otoplasty. Otoplasty most
commonly known as ear surgery is cosmetic
surgery to change the appearance of a
person’s external ears.
In many places around the world including
Beverly Hills ear surgery can be done in many forms, such as ear pinning which brings the ears
closer to the head, reducing the size of the ears or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. Other
otoplasty procedures are done for reconstructive purposes. Ear surgery can involve many
combinations of moving, reshaping, adding or removing structural ear elements.
Leading Phoenix plastic surgeons say when going in for any cosmetic procedure the patient must
have real expectations and true understanding of the procedure and only then will the patient be
satisfied wit the outcome of the procedure. Otoplasty will not alter hearing ability. Parents must be
confident that they have their child’s best interest at heart. Having a positive attitude toward
surgery is critical in all cases but most importantly in surgery on an adolescent. Adult otoplasty
patients must understand that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same
molding capacity as in children. In children the cartilage is easily pliable and the child will even
experience psychological benefits from it, but with a child timing is critical.
A San Diego plastic surgeon will start the surgery with an incision just behind the ear, in the
natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The necessary amount of cartilage and skin will be
removed to accomplish the right effect. Depending on the case the surgeon will trim the cartilage
shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to
secure the cartilage. Leading board certified plastic surgeons New York City say in some cases the
surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in
place. After molding the cartilage into the necessary shape the surgeon will then apply sutures to
anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the correct position.
After surgery one can expect to have soft dressing applied to the ears for a few days. Some patients
feel little pain if not discomfort. Most people sleep on their sides and this is where the discomfort
comes in after otoplasty the patient’s ears will be much more comfortable with no weight on them.
Ones surgeon may recommend head bands for a few weeks in order to hold the ears in the right
position.