Ear Surgery - Otoplasty Information by Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale Arizona
General good health
and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also
important to understand the surgery. Otoplasty will not
alter hearing ability. What is important for successful
otoplasty is that the ears be in proportion to the size
and shape of the face and head. When considering otoplasty,
parents must be confident that they have their child's
best interests at heart. A positive attitude toward the
surgery is an important factor in all facial plastic surgery,
but it is especially critical when the patient is a child
or adolescent. Adult candidates for otoplasty should understand
that the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does
not provide the same molding capacity as in children. A
consultation with a facial plastic surgeon can help parents
decide what is best for their child, not only aesthetically,
but also psychologically and physically. Timing is always
an important consideration. Having the procedure at a young
age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage
is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of
shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological
benefits from the cosmetic improvement.
Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is
of paramount importance. During the consultation, the
surgeon will examine the structure
of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting
the problems. Even if only one ear needs “pinning
back,” surgery will probably be recommended on
both ears to achieve the most natural, symmetrical appearance.
After the surgeon and patient
decide that otoplasty is indicated, your surgeon will discuss
the procedure. Following a thorough medical history, your
surgeon will explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical
facility, and costs. Typically, your surgeon will
suggest a general anesthesia for young patients and a local
anesthetic combined with a mild sedative for older children
and adults. Under normal conditions, otoplasty requires
approximately two hours.
Surgery begins with an incision
just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear
is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the
necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve
the right effect. In some cases, 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.
In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any
cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage
permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to
the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to
anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in
the desired position.
What to expect after the surgery
Soft dressings applied to the ears
will remain for a few days. Most patients experience some
mild discomfort. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your
side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or
so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas.
Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in
the desired position for two weeks after the surgery.
The risks are minimal. There will be a thin white scar
behind the ear after healing. Because this scar is in a
natural crease behind the ear, the problem of visibility
is inconsequential. Anything unusual should be reported
to the surgeon immediately.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to enhance your
appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine
self-confidence. By changing how you look, facial plastic
surgery can improve your self-image.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely
for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic
deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole
or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with
the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.
For ear surgery in Scottsdale Arizona contact this board certified facial plastic surgeon serving the Phoenix area.
Content provided
by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery
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