The Most Important Things You Need to Know About Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)

The Most Important Things You Need to Know About Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)

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The ear reshaping surgery is among the top 10 most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S.

What can ear surgery do for you?

  • Ear surgery can improve: The position or proportion of the ear.
  • Ear surgery can correct: A defect in the ear structure.
  • Ear surgery can treat: Misshapen ears caused by injury.

 Ear Surgery Can Treat

  • Macrotia: Overly large ears
  • Protruding ears
  • A previous ear surgery

Facts about Otoplasty

  • You’re never too old for Otoplasty
  • It won’t hurt that much
  • Your ears will never be perfectly identical
  • It uses permanent sutures that come undone
  • You may want to quit contact sports after getting it done

Candidates

Having a procedure at a young age is ideal.

The cartilage is firmer in a fully developed ear, which makes it harder to be molded.

Procedure can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size – which is around 5 to 6 years old.

Children who are good candidates

  • Are healthy
  • Don’t present a life-threatening illness
  • Don’t have untreated chronic ear infections
  • Follow instructions well
  • Communicate feelings

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates

  • Are healthy
  • Don’t present a life-threatening illness
  • Don’t have medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Are non-smokers
  • Are positive
  • Have specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Who cannot have ear surgery?

  • You should be in good general health and have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
  • If you are prone to keloid (red, angry, raised) scars, or have a history of problems with wound healing, it is not recommended to have this procedure done.

The procedure

  • Incision behind the ear
    • In the natural fold were the ear and the head join
  • Cartilage and skin are molded
    • In some cases, sutures will be applied to secure the new shape in place
  • Natural healing will orient the ear into the desired position
  • Dressings are applied to aid in healing and comfort

Recovery

  • Your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so if you’re used to sleeping on your side
  • Wear a headband for a couple of weeks to hold the ears in the desired position
  • Scar will be hidden in the natural crease behind the ear

Otoplasty Costs

Costs may include:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Facility costs
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Medical tests