Do your ears make you feel self-conscious because they stick out? If you’re tired of hiding your ears with your hair, it may be time to consider otoplasty. Otoplasty is a very satisfying operation, because patients are most appreciative of how surgery improves their overall appearance. But what exactly is otoplasty.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and repositions the ears, and is typically done to correct protruding ears or an ear deformity. Otoplasty is also known as ear pinning surgery and is frequently performed on both adults and children. The operation can be done any time after the age of 6 and is very common among teens. Kids often get otoplasty to fit in because they are often relentlessly teased because of their protruding ears.
The procedure
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that may be performed under local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually used for children. Ear surgery can be done using different surgical techniques, and the choice will depend on the outcome desired.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient, ear pinning surgery may involve removing cartilage in order to pull back the ears to reduce protrusion, or stitch remodeling.
Ear pinning surgery takes about 1 hour to perform.
Downtime after otoplasty is minimal, but patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 days. There is typically some post-surgical bruising and swelling that lasts approximately 2-3 weeks.
Would you like to find out more about otoplasty? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.
If you are in the Philadelphia metro area, contact Dr. Anthony Farole DMD, at the Cosmetic Facial Oral & Surgery Center located in Bala Cynwyd, PA for more information on otoplasty.
You can reach Dr. Farole at www.drfarole.com. or call (610) 668-3300 to schedule a consultation.