Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can enhance the ear’s proportion, shape, or position of the ear. Defects in the ear structure at birth or that become obvious during puberty can be repaired with an otoplasty. Also, this plastic surgery procedure can treat ears that were damaged in accidents.

Ear surgery creates a more natural shape while balancing the ears and face to give your face the correct proportions. Improving even slight deformities can have significant benefits for your self-esteem and appearance. If protruding ears have bothered you for years, you may want to consider otoplasty.

Below is more information about this popular plastic surgery procedure and whether you should consider Otoplasty in Houston.

How Ear Surgery Is Performed

The ear cartilage in children is soft enough that splints are effective for contouring during the procedure. Usually, the surgeon uses general anesthesia. But adults have more rigid ear cartilage, so the procedure must be done by taking out or repositioning cartilage after making a small cut in the ear.

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and the changes desired, your surgeon may do an incision inside or next to the ear. Extra cartilage and soft tissue that makes the ear stick out too much can be taken out.

If the ear lacks usual folds, they can be imitated by contouring the cartilage with sutures or scraping it to contour the cartilage. Sometimes several methods are needed for ideal results.

The location of the incisions in ear surgery depends on the changes you want. But you can expect the incisions to be in places that are hard to see. Most likely, they will be in the back of the area where it connects to your head or in the inner folds of the ear.

Considerations With Ear Surgery

Before you undergo this procedure, please consider the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

The surgery can enhance the proportion and shape of the ears.
Ear surgery can offer you a boost of self-confidence, and it’s a low-risk procedure that can be done on anyone over the age of five.
Results usually last for life with minimal revisions needed.
You can undergo other procedures at the same time in some cases, such as a mommy makeover.

Disadvantages

Young children may find it challenging to deal with recovery from ear surgery.
Ear symmetry can be a problem with some patients.
Scarring or numbness in the ear or face can result.

Are You A Good Candidate?

If any of the following apply, you could be a good candidate for ear surgery:

If your ears are at their maximum size, which happens at about age six. That’s why children are common candidates for ear surgery.
Set-back otoplasty, which reduces the prominence of ears that stick out, can be done on adults and children.
You’re in good health and have a good attitude and realistic expectations. This point goes for any plastic surgery, from eyelid surgery to liposuction.

How To Prepare For Ear Surgery

Before you have your ear surgery, your surgeon will want you to stop smoking for at least six weeks. This allows your body to heal more effectively from surgery. Also, you should not take aspirin, a variety of anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can cause bleeding.

It’s also essential to stay well hydrated in the weeks before your otoplasty. Plus, keep the ears clean and use plenty of sunscreen before the surgery. The better the condition the ear skin is before surgery, the better.

Also, reduce stress, eat well, and exercise to ensure you are best prepared for your ear surgery. Also, plan to be off work and away from many regular activities for one or two weeks after surgery.

After Ear Surgery

After your surgery, your surgeon will have dressing wrapped around your ears. A few days later, your doctor will remove these bandages and check the ears. Assuming all is well, she’ll place lighter dressing on the ears. You should keep this dressing in place at all times unless your doctor says otherwise.

It’s advisable to have an adult with you for at least a day after ear surgery. For the first week, be sure you get plenty of rest, but you should walk around when you’re awake to keep blood moving.

To reduce pain and swelling, it helps to keep your head elevated when you lie down. Don’t rest your head on the operated ear, as this will be painful.

Your doctor will tell you when you can remove the dressings. About one week after surgery, your doctor will remove the stitches, and you should be able to return to work.

If the surgery and recovery go well, you can expect the results of your otoplasty to last for life.

Request a Houston Ear Surgery Consultation

Interested in a Houston otoplasty? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of the procedure to determine if you’re a good candidate for ear surgery.

References

Otoplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/otoplasty/about/pac-20394822

Ear Surgery Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/ear-surgery/cost