Otoplasty

Otoplasty, otherwise known as ear pinning, is a cosmetic procedure used for people with ears that stick out. Children with prominent appearing ears must first wait until their ear cartilage has completely developed, normally occurring at around six years of age. Most people that are unhappy with the appearance of their ears and want to benefit from the result of otoplasty are a candidate for the cosmetic procedure. By visiting a plastic surgeon and undergoing a complete consultation the otoplasty candidate can determine if they can benefit from the procedure while having a low risk for complication.

If the plastic surgeon and otoplasty candidate feels confident with moving ahead with the otoplasty procedure then a surgery date will be planned. Since children are normally the ones undergoing an otoplasty it is important that the child support the decision to have the cosmetic procedure. When individuals have cosmetic procedures and are not committed to making the changes for the right reasons there is normally a low patient satisfaction.

When undergoing an otoplasty procedure the patient will have already been fully informed of the risks and benefits and given pre-operative and post-operative instructions. A qualified and reputable plastic surgeon should allow the patient to feel comfortable enough to ask any and all questions regarding the otoplasty. Due to otoplasty normally being performed on children, an anesthesia is administered to allow for a more satisfying surgery experience for the child.

Otoplasty is a simple cosmetic procedure as compared to other more invasive surgeries. Taking just a few hours, the plastic surgeon will monitor the otoplasty patient the entire time to ensure safety is the number one priority. Small incisions will be made so that the otoplasty surgeon can remove any of the skin and cartilage that will make it necessary for the otoplasty to be successful.

The otoplasty plastic surgeon will proceed to fasten the ear in the appropriate position by suturing them. Depending on the size of the ear and the amount it is protruding the otoplasty may involve internal sutures. After the plastic surgeon has completed the otoplasty, the surgeon will apply dressings to the ears but it will be wrapped around the entire head.

Due to the anesthesia, the child or otoplasty patient will not have recollection of the actual procedure. When otoplasty is performed in adults sometimes anesthesia is not used so this will vary from patient to patient. The more rest and inactivity that occurs following the otoplasty, the better recovery there will be.

The otoplasty patient should keep their head elevated for as long as the plastic surgeon instructs them to do so. Every individual has varying degrees of healing and recovery time so the plastic surgeon will instruct the patient based on particular factors following the otoplasty. Recovering from an otoplasty is considered minimal for a cosmetic procedure, taking just a few weeks.

The results of an otoplasty are often very satisfying and children that felt self-conscious and were teased for having prominent ears will find this cosmetic procedure to be a permanent solution. There are few risks associated to otoplasty but the final result can have drastic impressions. To find out if you or your child can benefit from an otoplasty, contact us.