Otoplasty FAQ: Scottsdale Otoplasty Q&A

Published on December 28, 2016

Raising children can be one of the most wonderful opportunities you will ever have. However, at some point, your child may become the object of ridicule. If your child is suffering from low self-esteem, bullying or other difficulties because of the way his or her ears look, otoplasty surgery may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Our goal at Dr. David A. Hecht’s office is to help your child live a positive, healthy life, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Find out more about ear surgery in our otoplasty FAQ.

Otoplasty FAQ

A board-certified facial plastic surgeon can assist you with all the details regarding this type of surgery, but here is our otoplasty faq you may be looking for before you schedule a consultation.

What should I expect during an otoplasty consultation?before and after otoplasty faq

It’s important to build trust and understanding during this initial appointment and subsequent meetings. You should expect to provide information about why you think your child is a candidate for this procedure. Plan to share your child’s health history,
current medications and payment options as part of the initial consultation. This will help us determine whether the procedure is appropriate for your child at this time.

Come prepared with all your questions. Our mission is to help you and your child deal with teasing and low self-esteem because of misshaped or bulging ears. We’ll take detailed notes and listen carefully to your concerns. Feel free to be as honest as possible. We understand that a cosmetic surgery can be a difficult event, but we’re certain you’ll see all the benefits once the procedure is complete. We’ll perform a thorough exam of the situation to make certain that otoplasty is the right choice for your child.

What will happen during the otoplasty surgery?

There are several types of otoplasty surgeries that can be performed, but the same basic techniques are used. The process begins with a small incision right behind the ear where the head and ear naturally join together. If necessary, excess cartilage and skin will be removed to create a more natural-looking ear. If cartilage isn’t removed, we will use multiple stitches to permanently keep the ear in the correct shape. Some additional cartilage trimming may also be needed. Once all of the trimming is finished, the reshaped cartilage will be pinned back to the ear to keep its shape.

Our anesthesiologist will be available to administer the appropriate amount of numbing agent, and we’ll explain the entire process to you again before we begin because we don’t want you or child to have any worries.

What is the recovery time following otoplasty surgery?

The recovery time varies based upon the severity of the work that is done. In most cases, the patient can expect to be back to normal in about two weeks. You will be given explicit, simple instructions to ensure healing time is minimized and the surgery remains a lifelong success.

What complications should we watch for during otoplasty recovery?

otoplasty scottsdaleOtoplasty surgery is typically one of the least invasive surgeries. Few complications ever exist. It is possible that your child will experience mild discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Your child may instinctively change his or her sleeping patterns to avoid any pain while sleeping. If your child is a side sleeper, for example, he or she may turn to back or frontal sleeping. This could result in atypical sleepiness for about a week.

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty surgery?

People who feel uncomfortable about the size or shape of their ears are good candidates. These procedures are typically done as soon as possible in a person’s life. Most people’s ears are fully developed at the age of 5 or 6 years old, so any older child is able to receive the surgery. Completing this procedure early in a child’s life can minimize teasing, bullying and self-esteem issues in the future. We will discuss all this information in detail during the consultations.

Who shouldn’t have an otoplasty surgery?

Any person whose ears are not fully grown is not a candidate for otoplasty at our office. During the initial appointment, we’ll have a good idea about the need for your child to have this surgery. In some cases, we may suggest that this procedure will not provide adequate change to the ear(s), so surgery should not be considered. We will be honest with you because the safety and overall health of our patients are our top priorities.

Where can I find otoplasty before and after photos?

Our otoplasty before and after gallery can provide you with a variety of pictures that demonstrate the work we do. We have many photos available for viewing at our office as well. During your consultation, we can help you find before photos that most closely resemble your child’s ear, so you’ll have a better idea of what the ear could look like after the procedure takes place. At our office, it will be easy to align your expectations with real results.

Does insurance cover otoplasty surgery? How much does otoplasty cost?

In most cases, insurance companies will not provide reimbursement for this type of cosmetic surgery. It is possible, however, that some carriers may cover the cost of the procedure if the ear problems arose from an accident or genetic abnormality. Before getting surgery, you should talk with your insurance company.

Otoplasty costs can vary widely when considering anesthesia, operating room facilities and other related expenses. A complete quote for the procedure is provided during your consultation. The great news is that we have patient financing to help with out-of-pocket costs.

Why should I choose Dr. David Hecht for my child’s otoplasty surgery?

Dr. Hecht has undergone extensive training and performed countless facial plastic surgeries, taking great pride in the work that he does. He earned the highest score on the written board certification examination administered by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Dr. Hecht is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and ABFPRS. As well as being a published author, he has been featured on television and in newspapers and magazines as a trustworthy and highly skilled surgeon. Dr. Hecht provides every patient with kindness, honesty and hope. He has even been voted as one of the best doctors in America in a 2013 survey conducted by Best Doctors.

Did You Find Our Otoplasty FAQ Helpful?

Now that you’ve read our otoplasty faq, are you ready to discuss surgery with Dr. Hecht? We would love the opportunity to help improve your child’s future. Contact our friendly, knowledgeable and supportive staff in our Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgery practice for a consultation and more information today.

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