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Otoplasty, Ear Shaping Surgery
At Beverly Hills PROFILES, we have extensive knowledge in Otoplasty and, in fact, we have recently completed the definitive textbook on the subject. Otoplasty, more commonly known as ear shaping surgery or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure which can reduce the size of large ears or set prominent ears back closer to the head. Otoplasty is often performed on children to spare them the teasing and ridicule associated with large or protruding ears, however we are seeing more and more adults who are interested in this procedure. In children, the surgery can be performed once the ears have reached their full size which tends to occur around five or six years of age. Because self-consciousness and poor adaptation at school can result from even mildly distorted ears, it’s generally believed that the earlier that Otoplasty ear surgery is performed, the better.
Otoplasty can also be performed on adults and there are generally no additional risks when doing so. Adults often decide to undergo Otoplasty along with other facial plastic surgery procedures.
Otoplasty Candidates
If you are considering Otoplasty ear reshaping for yourself or for your child, it’s important that you are confident in your decision. At PROFILES, we specialize in creating a natural set back to the ears that provides a smooth and unoperated appearance. For those thinking about Otoplasty for themselves, we can give you a very good sense during your consultation of what ear pinning surgery will accomplish and what techniques we use to ensure a natural result. For parents thinking about Otoplasty for their kids, we advise you to be attentive to your child’s feelings about his or her ears and not insist on the surgery until your child is ready for a change. Children who dislike their ears and want the ear reshaping surgery are typically happier with the results and more cooperative during the process.
During your complimentary consultation for Otoplasty at Beverly Hills PROFILES, we can help you to decide whether ear reshaping surgery is the best option for you or your child, both aesthetically as well as physically and psychologically.
In general, you should know that there are two main reasons why it is beneficial to perform Otoplasty surgery at a young age: children can benefit psychologically from the cosmetic improvement and the cartilage is very pliable and allows for easier shaping.
It’s also important to note that Otoplasty does not impact hearing at all.
If you are considering Otoplasty for yourself, it’s important to understand that fully developed ears have firmer cartilage which makes surgery slightly more involved than during childhood. However, adult Otoplasty can produce remarkable results with very little downtime.
Beverly Hills PROFILES Surgery Center
All of our outpatient procedures including Otoplasty ear surgery are performed in our brand new, state of the art, fully accredited, office-based surgical facility -the PROFILES Surgery Center.
Otoplasty – Anesthesia
Known as two of the top Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Otoplasty specialists, Dr. Solieman andDr. Litner commonly recommend that young patients receive general anesthesia and that older children and adults receive a combination of local anesthesia and mild sedation.
The Otoplasty Surgery
Ear surgery takes typically forty-five minutes to one hour per ear. The particular ear problem will determine the exact technique used. One of the more common techniques involves a small incision which is made in the back of the ear. Once the ear cartilage isexposed, it is then sculpted and bent back toward the head.
The new ear shape may be maintained with the help of non-removable stitches. It is rarely necessary to remove a piece of cartilage to allow the ear to sit closerto the head. A more common technique for Otoplasty at Profiles requires that a similar incision be made behind the ear, after which skin is removed and the cartilage is folded back on itself with stitches, thus reshaping the ear without removing cartilage. Surgery is usually performed on both ears even when only one ear protrudes so that the best balance can be achieved.
After Your Otoplasty Surgery
Within just a few hours of Otoplasty surgery, most patients are up and about. To promote the best molding and healing, a bandage is wrapped around the head immediately after surgery. This is replaced by a lighter, headband-like dressing usually the day after surgery.
Patients may experience some throbbing or aching of the ears during the first few days, but medication is prescribed to relieve this. Bruising and swelling are typically minimal.
Absorbable sutures are utilized on skin incisions in order to minimize any postoperative discomfort. Adult patients are usually able to return to work within two to three days after surgery or sooner, while children can usually return to school in about five days. Care will need to be taken on the playground and it can be a good idea to ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on him/ her for the first few weeks.
If you are considering Otoplasty for yourself or your child, we invite you to call us for an appointment to see if this rewarding procedure is right for you.