Otoplasty
The shape, size, and protrusion of an individual’s ears can have a significant impact on their facial appearance, and cause them to be self-conscious. This is particularly true for adolescents who are currently in or about to enter their most impressionable years of schooling, though many adults are also sensitive to these concerns.
At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stafford Broumand, offers Otoplasty, a type of facial plastic surgery designed to recontour and/or reposition prominent ears for a more proportionate, balanced appearance in relation to the rest of the face. By employing a customized approach, Dr. Broumand can effectively address your concerns and achieve your Otoplasty goals with exceptional, natural-looking results.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, commonly referred to as ear pinning or ear surgery, is a type of cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the appearance of the ears. This surgery can correct various ear deformities, such as protruding ears, large or misshapen ears, and congenital defects. By reshaping or repositioning the ears closer to the head, otoplasty aims to create a more natural and balanced look, boosting the patient’s confidence and overall facial harmony. The procedure is typically performed on children and adults and involves minimal risks and downtime.
Benefits of Otoplasty
The benefits of otoplasty include:
- Improved Ear Appearance: Otoplasty can correct protruding, asymmetrical, or misshapen ears, creating a more balanced and
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Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)
Cleveland Clinic
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natural look.
- Boosted Confidence: By enhancing the appearance of the ears, otoplasty can significantly improve a person’s self-esteem and confidence, especially in social and professional settings.
- Permanent Results: The changes made during otoplasty are typically long-lasting, providing enduring improvements to the ear’s appearance.
- Minimal Scarring: The incisions for otoplasty are usually well-hidden behind the ears or within natural creases, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
- Quick Recovery: Otoplasty generally involves a relatively short recovery period, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week.
- Customizable Procedure: Otoplasty can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient, allowing for personalized results.
- Enhanced Facial Harmony: By correcting ear deformities, otoplasty can contribute to overall facial harmony and balance, enhancing the patient’s overall appearance.
Preparing for Otoplasty
The initial consultation for Otoplasty with Dr. Broumand lasts about 30 minutes. During this time, Dr. Broumand will carefully listen to your concerns and goals for the treatment to fully understand your motivations. We encourage you to bring a close friend or family member for support, to help retain information, ask questions, and provide moral support.
In this thorough appointment, Dr. Broumand will perform a physical exam and review your medical history to determine if Otoplasty is appropriate for you. Using VECTRA® XT technology, an advanced imaging system, we can create a 3D image of your face and simulate the potential surgical outcome. This helps set realistic expectations for the surgery and may lead to greater satisfaction with the results.
After deciding on a treatment plan, our staff will assist you in scheduling your procedure at a convenient time. Before your Otoplasty, we will provide you with a detailed preoperative list to ensure a smooth experience. Preparations may include avoiding aspirin products, stopping certain medications, steering clear of specific vitamins, and incorporating Arnica herbal supplements into your regimen.
The Otoplasty Procedure
When the day of surgery arrives, Otoplasty patients will be greeted by our office staff and taken back for prep. Once settled, you will meet with the surgical nurse and anesthesiologist individually. Dr. Broumand will visit to review any final questions before treatment.
At our practice, Dr. Broumand tailors each Otoplasty procedure to meet the needs and goals of the individual. During surgery, tiny incisions are discreetly made in the natural fold behind the ear. Cartilage is then meticulously recontoured and/or extracted through these incisions until an ideal shape and size are attained. If needed/desired, the ears can be pinned back at this time, which is accomplished using small sutures placed behind the ear. Depending on the patient’s age and the intricacy of the operation, Otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia and usually takes about one hour to complete. Because Otoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, patients are generally able to return home under the care of a friend or family member following surgery.
Recovery After Otoplasty
The healing process after otoplasty surgery typically involves several stages. The majority of individuals are required to wear a head wrap for a few days after the Otoplasty procedure. Once this is removed, a special headband is then to be worn temporarily to help protect the ears as they heal. Light, non-strenuous activities can often be resumed the day after ear surgery, and the majority of adult patients can typically return to non-strenuous jobs within approximately a few days. Similarly, younger patients and adolescents can usually return to school about five to seven days after surgery. Regardless of age, any heavy lifting and/or physical activity should be avoided for a minimum of a couple of weeks.
Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?
Otoplasty can be performed for patients old and young (as long as the ears have
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Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?
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stopped growing).
Based on your unique needs, ear surgery can often help:
- Decrease the size of overly large ears or earlobes.
- Reshape the ears for improved proportion and symmetry.
- Pin back or reposition protruding ears.
- Improve balance between the ears and face.
In addition to aesthetic benefits, the majority of patients report renewed self-confidence in or about to begin their formative years of schooling and/or extracurricular activities.
Are there any risks associated with otoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and
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Otoplasty
Mayo Clinic
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asymmetry.
However, these risks are relatively rare, and the procedure is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified surgeon like Dr. Broumand.
How long do the results of otoplasty last?
The results of otoplasty are typically long-lasting. Once the ears are reshaped and repositioned, they should maintain their new appearance for life. However, the natural aging process and other factors may affect the ears’ appearance over time.
Will otoplasty leave visible scars?
The incisions for otoplasty are usually made behind the ears or within the natural creases of the ears, making the scars well hidden. Over time, the scars will fade and become less noticeable.
Can otoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, otoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty or facelifts, to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. You can discuss the best options for your specific needs and goals during your consultation with Dr. Broumand.
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1 Cleveland Clinic. Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11021-otoplasty-ear-reshaping. Accessed June 28, 2024.
2 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for ear surgery? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/ear-surgery/candidates. Accessed June 28, 2024.
3 Mayo Clinic. Otoplasty. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/otoplasty/about/pac-20394822. Accessed June 28, 2024.
Dr. Stafford Broumand has reviewed and approved this content.
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