When we look at science, the typical ear measures about an inch from the side of the head. Even though slightly smaller or bigger ear are nothing to worry about or be ashamed of, significantly bigger ears that are much more prominent, might impact your facial appearance and facial symmetry. Which of course can be corrected through ear surgery.
Ear problems in both children and adults can occur as a result of injury or congenital anomalies, and people with those kinds of issues, can greatly benefit from ear surgery.
What is exactly ear surgery or otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that mainly focuses on improving and enhancing your ear appearances by modifying their projection, altering their shape and even resizing them. Ear surgery is commonly used to treat ears that protrude way more from the head. So if you’re having ears that are sticking out, your cosmetic surgeon might recommend the ear pinning procedure. And if the ears are also misaligned, you can also have a repositioning procedure.
Ear surgery is best recommended for children between the age of four and fourteen, but adults can also qualify for it. The outcome of an otoplasty doesn’t only depend on the reshaping procedure, but also on the surgical skills of the cosmetic surgeon, as well as your self-esteem. The self-esteem part is especially important for teenagers, who are more susceptible to teasing and bullying because of their physical appearance.
Why should someone consider otoplasty?
Ear surgery isn’t as popular as other types of cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, mommy makeover or liposuction. But even if it’s not that popular, it can still be effecting in addressing some aesthetic flaws that you’re not happy with.
Some children and their parents don’t notice a problem with the children’s ear until they become more prominent, by the age of 8.
Ears is one part of our body that continues to grow as we get older. So if your child has prominent ears, it’s best to wait with ear surgery until they are full grown. And if you wish to enhance your physical appearance, with otoplasty you can:
- Reshaping ears that “stick out” or that are not proportional to your face
- Adjust folded ears
- Resize your earlobes
- Flatter prominent ears
- Correct ear problems that are a result of an accident or injury
Ear surgery aftercare
Ear surgery is performed either under general anesthesia (for children) or under local anesthesia (for adults). The procedure usually begins with a hidden incision behind the ears, that is not too deep. This incision will allow the cartilage to be repositioned closer to the head or reshaped. On average the procedure can take between one to two hours.
During the first few days after the surgery, you will need plenty of rest in order to speed up the recovery process. You will usually have a bandage or small dressing around your head (where the incision is) so that your ears can be held in place for the next week or so.
After the first week, you will have your first post-op checkup so that the surgeon could check how your recovery is going. He will also determine whether you can be fitted with a lighter and smaller dressing.
If you or your child has problems with too prominent ears, don’t like your facial appearance, you can address this issue easily through ear surgery or otoplasty. Contact Dr. Kotoske and schedule a consultation.
