Otoplasty Surgery

CONSIDERING OTOPLASTY SURGERY

Due to the refined state-of-the-art techniques we use, our patients have wonderful results from this safe, commonly performed procedure. Ear problems tend to run in families for many reasons - some known and some unknown. Whatever the reason, patients choose "ear pinning" to correct such problems as - protruding ears, too large or too small prominent ears, lopped, cuplike or shell ears (misshapen), unevenly positioned ears or a torn earlobe. All these situations impact the overall appearance and cause patients to seek our recommendations for correcting these conditions. We are skilled in successfully working with all ages - from children as young as 5 or 6 to adults of any age (results change and vary with our more mature patients).

Your initial otoplasty surgery visit or consultation.
During this visit we will discuss and evaluate your concerns at length, get a complete medical history, determine what would be "realistic goals and expectations" for you and then discuss the procedure that will be used to correct your problem and give you a desirable outcome.

Preparing for otoplasty surgery.
Following your consultation and after you've made a decision, we will give you complete instructions to help you prepare for your surgery. We always recommend a nutritious diet, limiting vitamins and medications to those prescribed only, and will advise you that smoking and alcohol can interfere with any procedure and slow healing/ recovery time.

Have a responsible adult drive you to and from our office the day of your surgery and stay with you overnight. Please arrange in advance for someone to do this for you.

OTOPLASTY SURGERY OVERVIEW

Otoplasty Surgery .
For "corrective surgery" Doctor will make a small incision (hidden in a crease) behind the ear - and will then expose the cartilage, "sculpt it" and remove excess skin to reduce the size of the ears. After he "repositions" the ears by bringing them back in closer to the head - each will be sutured in place to hold their new position. A piece of cartilage may be removed, if necessary, to create a more natural looking fold.

More complex reconstructive procedures - These procedures usually require several steps such as: cartilage being taken from another part of the body - often from the ribs - to construct or rebuild the outer ear. Tissue expanders may be used to stretch adjacent non-hair bearing skin to form a covering for the ear. You and Doctor will discuss your personalized procedure at length.

Where otoplasty surgery is performed and how long it will take.
Most of our procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia and sedation. Ear Pinning usually takes from two to three hours depending on the extensiveness or your surgery. Young children are treated in a licensed outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia.

Otoplasty surgery recovery.
Every patient is cared for and kept comfortable, by a nurse, in the recovery area following surgery. Most patients experience very little discomfort during recovery - due to numbness and anesthesia - but pain medication is given when needed. A soft, padded bandage is placed around the head for protection and to hold the ears in place. This is usually replaced in about a week with a stretchy headband or stocking cap. These are to be worn especially at night. When swelling and discomfort become more noticeable (while at home), pain medication will be prescribed and is effective in minimizing discomfort.

Getting back to normal after otoplasty surgery.
Most of our adult patients are back to work in about 5 days. Children usually can return to school in about 7 days. Playground time must be closely monitored as they will have to be very careful. Both children and adults must avoid any activity that would cause the ear to be bent for at least 30 days. Bruising and swelling usually go away pretty quickly. One of the biggest challenges reported by patients is not being able to sleep on their side for a few weeks. But they feel that the positive results achieved ---minimize any short term inconveniences.

Every one heals at their own pace. Following the instructions we give each of our patients helps to speed and enhance healing time. A good nutrition program, adequate rest, avoiding strenuous and "ear bending" activity - among other things are very helpful also. Smoking and alcohol use slows all healing processes.

The low risk and high level of successes we experience - along with happy patients (too numerous to mention) make having "ear pinning" or reconstructive ear surgery worth any effort needed to get it done. Our patients use phrases such as: "it gave me a fresh start" - "my self-confidence level soared" - "people didn't even know I had surgery" - "I love my new look" - "I feel so much better about myself." "I wish I'd had this done years ago!" "My child isn't laughed at or teased anymore." Ear Pinning is a low risk procedure - producing outstanding - life-changing results! Our entire staff is here to help you achieve your "outstanding results!"