What is Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery)?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the size, shape or position of the ears. Correction of either inherited or traumatic ear deformities such as prominence, malformation, and malposition can be achieved using various surgical techniques. We employ these techniques to provide symmetry and facial balance to achieve a natural look.What are the doctor qualifications and training for Otoplasty surgery?
As double board certified and fellowship trained in both Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Drs Jacob and Moulthrop have truly unique, advanced training in the complexities of cosmetic ear surgery. There is no one template or road map for surgery. We have an advanced understanding of the ear’s form and function.What is involved in Otoplasty surgery?
- Consultation. During the consult, we will perform a detailed physical exam and then discuss the intricacies of the operation with you.
- Surgical Procedure: Commonly the surgical procedure involves placing sutures in the ear cartilage to change shape and or position of the ear. Sometimes it may involve removal of ear cartilage and/or skin behind the ear. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or under general depending on the patient’s level of comfort and the level of complexity required.
- Post-Op and Further Recommendations. Patients return to full activity one month after the procedure and are monitored for results up to one year.
How long does it take to recover from Otoplasty surgery?
Many of our patients are curious about the recovery time and procedures for Cosmetic Ear surgery. Otoplasty surgery recovery involves the following steps:- In-hospital recovery. The surgery usually can take about 1-2 hours. If only local anesthesia has been used, patients are released 10-20 minutes after case is finished. If general anesthesia has been used at least a 1 hour observation can be expected
- In-home recovery. Patients will return home same day as surgery. The patient can expect minimal discomfort and will most likely have a pressure/head wrap to wear over their ears until they are seen back in the office in 5-7 days
- Follow-up consultations. The patient will return to the office in 5-7 days to have sutures removed from the skin incision. They can expect to wear a head band over their ears continuously for the first two weeks after their procedure. The next visit usually takes place at 5 weeks after the procedure. Release to full activity is given about one month after the procedure.
What are the side effects from Otoplasty surgery?
You may experience the following side effects:- Infection. As with all surgery there is a small chance that you develop an infection. This is minimized by perioperative antibiotics. It may require removal of any permanent stitches that have been placed.
- Hematoma. There is a small chance that a collection of blood could develop and may require serial drainage and/or placement of a compression dressing. Although most commonly this will resolve with treatment it could result in a permanent ear deformity
- Scarring. While scars are permanent, they'll likely be hidden behind your ears or within the creases of your ears. It is possible that you could develop thickened scars that require injection and/or revision.
- Asymmetry in ear placement. This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process. Also, surgery might not successfully correct pre-existing asymmetry.
- Changes in skin sensation. During otoplasty, the repositioning of your ears can temporarily affect skin sensation in the area. Rarely, changes are permanent.
- Problems with stitches. Stitches used to secure the ear's new shape might work their way to the surface of the skin and need to be removed. This can cause inflammation of the affected skin. As a result, you might need additional surgery.
- Overcorrection. Otoplasty can create unnatural contours that make ears appear to be pinned back.
Please contact us at our New Orleans facial plastic surgery facility to schedule your otoplasty consultation.
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