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Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping) in Scottsdale, AZ
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At our practice in Scottsdale, otoplasty surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures done by Dr. David Hecht who has been recognized as one of America’s top physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. There are many physical characteristics that can make a person feel self-conscious; however, many facial plastic surgery procedures exist to help improve such characteristics to help patients feel more confident in their appearance. Protruding ears are one problem that makes patients, particularly children, seek out cosmetic procedures. Children can be cruel, and as such, children who have ears that go out a distance that many people would consider too far often deal with teasing and name-calling, such as “Mickey Mouse” and “Dumbo.” Children are typically the most likely candidates for otoplasty, but this procedure can be performed on an individual of any age, as long as the ears have grown to their full size. This usually happens at age 5 or 6. Even if the distortion of the ears is mild, it can affect a child’s life, which is why it is believed that in the case of this particular procedure, it is best to do it as early as possible. The earlier it’s done, the less trauma children will endure.
Adults can also potentially derive benefits from an ear reshaping surgery, which is a fairly straightforward way to enhance self-confidence. Adults frequently choose this procedure along with other facial plastic surgery procedures. An otoplasty is not necessarily about pinning back the ears; rather, ears can also be reduced in size, rendered more symmetrical, or just simply reshaped. The exact type of otoplasty chosen by the patient and surgeon will depend on the current appearance of the ears and what the desired outcome should look like.
If you are interested in an otoplasty ear reshaping surgery in Scottsdale for yourself or your child, you must know exactly how the procedure is done and what you should expect from it. A before and after gallery or our past otoplasty procedures can be found here. A successful facial plastic surgery procedure is dependent on a positive rapport between surgeon and patient. In the consulting stages before the procedure, trust should develop. This trust should be grounded in the surgeon’s strong medical expertise and the patient’s realistic expectations of how the surgery will go. During a consultation and subsequent appointments, Dr. Hecht will be able to answer any questions that you have.
- Is Otoplasty the Right Choice for You?
- How to Prepare Children Undergoing Otoplasty Surgery
- An Overview of Ear Surgery
- What to Expect Following an Otoplasty Surgery in Scottsdale
- Do Health Insurance Benefits Cover Otoplasty Surgery?
Is otoplasty the right choice for you?
If you are considering otoplasty, it is crucial that you choose a facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale who is double board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), which is given to physicians who have completed specific prerequisites pertaining to facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology, which is only given to certified ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physicians. When you have your consultation, your surgeon will take a good look at the structure of your ears and talk with you about different options that you have for fixing the issues. Even if you only technically need correction of one ear, it is likely that surgery will be recommended for both ears in order to create the most symmetrical and natural appearance possible.
After you decide together that this procedure is what you need, and it’s determined that you are a good candidate for surgery based on your current health, Dr. Hecht will discuss the procedure with you. At this time, it is important that you ask any questions that you may have so that you are as informed about the surgery as possible. After taking a thorough medical history, our staff will tell you all about the surgical facility where your procedure will be performed, the price, any costs that will be incurred, recovery time, and the type of anesthesia to be administered. In most cases, young children will receive general anesthesia, while adults and older children will receive a combination of a local anesthetic and a mild sedative. Normally, this procedure will take about two hours to complete.
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How to Prepare Children Undergoing Otoplasty Surgery
Preparing young children for otoplasty surgery requires a gentle and supportive approach to ensure their comfort and understanding throughout the process. As parents and caregivers, there are several steps you can take to help your child prepare for this transformative procedure while alleviating any anxieties they may have.
Open and Honest Communication: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your child about the otoplasty surgery. Explain why the surgery is necessary and discuss its benefits. Use simple and age-appropriate language to help your child understand the procedure without overwhelming them with medical jargon.
Choose the Right Time: Timing is crucial when discussing the surgery with your child. Choose a calm and relaxed moment to have the conversation, and avoid doing so right before bedtime or during stressful situations. Be patient and allow your child to process the information at their own pace.
Answer Questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about the surgery and address any concerns they may have. Reassure them that it is natural to feel a bit nervous or scared, but emphasize the positive outcomes that await them after the surgery. Be prepared to answer questions multiple times, as young children may need repeated explanations to fully grasp the concept.
Involve Your Child in the Decision-Making Process: Empower your child by involving them in certain aspects of the decision-making process. Let them choose their favorite comfort items to bring with them to the hospital or discuss their preferences for post-surgery activities during the recovery period.
Educate About Anesthesia and Recovery: Explain to your child that they will be asleep during the surgery and will not feel any pain. Reassure them that the doctors and nurses will take excellent care of them throughout the procedure. Afterward, discuss what to expect during the recovery period, such as wearing a bandage and taking time off from certain activities.
Offer Emotional Support: Leading up to the surgery and during the recovery process, offer your child emotional support and reassurance. Be present, listen to their feelings, and remind them that you will be by their side every step of the way.
By taking these thoughtful steps to prepare young children for otoplasty surgery, you can help alleviate their fears and uncertainties, allowing them to approach the procedure with confidence and trust in the medical team. The support and care you provide will make a significant difference in your child’s overall surgical experience and post-operative recovery.
An Overview of Ear Surgery
Whether you are getting an ear pinning otoplasty or some other type of ear surgery otoplasty, the procedure will start with an incision that is located right behind the ear. This will take place within the natural crease where the head and the ear join together. Your facial plastic surgeon will then take away the requisite amounts of cartilage and skin in order to create the correct visual effect. Some patients will require trimming of the cartilage to shape it into a more cosmetically pleasing form before it’s pinned back to the ear with permanent sutures in order to secure the new shape.
In other cases, cartilage will not be removed. Instead, the surgeon will utilize multiple stitches to hold the existing cartilage in place permanently. After sculpting the cartilage, the surgeon will add in sutures to hold everything in place until the ear is completely healed.
What to Expect Following an Otoplasty Surgery in Scottsdale
After the otoplasty procedure, Dr. Hecht will apply soft dressings to the ears, which should stay on for a few days. The majority of patients will experience some mild discomfort after the procedure. If you typically sleep on your side, for example, your sleep patterns might be altered for approximately a week to avoid putting pressure on your ears. Sometimes it is recommended that people wear headbands to hold the ears in place for about two weeks post-surgery.
The risks associated with otoplasty are minimal. After the skin and ears heal, a thin white scar remains behind the ear. However, this is nothing to be self-conscious about. This scar will be located in a natural crease behind the ear, so no one will see it. If you experience any unusual symptoms after the surgery, it is important that you report your experience to our staff right away.
Do Health Insurance Benefits Cover Otoplasty?
Typically, insurance will not cover procedures that are done solely for cosmetic purposes. However, a surgery that is done to improve or correct the results of a traumatic injury or genetic deformity could potentially be reimbursable, either completely or partially. It is your responsibility as a patient to check with your insurance carrier to obtain the information that you need on what will be covered and what will not for this otoplasty procedure performed at our Scottsdale office.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
The total cost of Otoplasty surgery in Scottsdale is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery. Financing for otoplasty surgery is available through CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
Schedule a Consultation
As one of the most well-regarded plastic surgeons performing Otoplasty in Scottsdale, Dr. David is here to answer all your questions about Otoplasty. To confirm whether you are an ideal candidate for Otoplasty, contact us today to schedule your in-person consultation.
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