Otoplasty and Ear Surgery Information

Otoplasty Overview

If you’ve heard the term and asked yourself, “What is otoplasty?”, you’re far from alone, as this medical term is quite esoteric. Basically, otoplasty is surgery of the ear. In the cosmetic surgery world, ear surgery is performed for the purpose of reshaping ears that may stick out from the skull farther than the patient would like or for patients whose ears are too large relative to the rest of their facial features. Below is a brief overview of the surgery, but for specific answers, you need to see a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is different from many other cosmetic procedures in that it is usually performed on patients while they’re still children. Most patients are between the ages of four and 14. The ear is an organ that’s fully grown by the time a person reaches four years of age, and most parents will consider this procedure in order to help their child avoid ridicule.

What does otoplasty accomplish?

Otoplasty accomplishes one of two things. If a patient has ears that point outward in such a way that it’s a distraction, this procedure will re-shape the ears so that they’re closer to the patient’s skull. This is a relatively simple procedure, and one that allows a patient to get back into a normal routine quickly.

The other accomplishment as a result of otoplasty is that if a patient’s ears are too big for the rest of the face, this procedure will re-size the ears to bring them more into proportion with the rest of the facial structure. This is also a surprisingly simple and effective surgery, and gives every patient a high degree of confidence.

What should I do next?

Now that you’re aware of the answer to the question, “What is otoplasty?”, it’s time to take the next step. All you need to do is contact a cosmetic surgeon today. He or she has experience with this procedure, and the doctor will meet with you in-person to discuss your situation and to analyze your ears for the purpose of determining whether or not otoplasty will help you.

The cosmetic surgeon will explain to you how the surgery works, how long it takes to complete, what if any risks are involved, how you’ll feel afterwards, how long you can expect the changes to last and any other questions you may have.

Most cosmetic surgeons will also be able to show you how things work in a visual sense with computer-aided diagrams so that you can see specifically how this surgery will affect your look and even your life. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your facial features, and you deserve to start each day with confidence. Go ahead and contact a cosmetic surgeon today to get this extremely beneficial process started.

Otoplasty Candidacy

If you’re unhappy with your ears’ appearance, you have options. If you’re considering otoplasty, you undoubtedly have questions. Three of the most common questions asked by prospective patients are, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for otoplasty?”, “How will I be evaluated for otoplasty?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” Each of these questions is answered below, but you’ll need to take the next step towards deciding if this procedure is right for you by contacting a cosmetic surgeon for a full consultation.

How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for otoplasty?
Since most otoplasty patients are children, there are a few more issues to think about when deciding whether or not to go ahead with the surgery. Parents need to be vigilant regarding a child’s experiences. If he or she is having trouble with other children and is the object of derision, that in and of itself does not mean that otoplasty is an immediate solution. Parents should wait for a child to express concern about his or her ears before recommending this procedure.

How will I be evaluated for otoplasty?
The evaluation for otoplasty is quite simple. A cosmetic surgeon will simply look at the patient’s ear structure to determine if otoplasty will be of help in the overall look of the patient. The cosmetic surgeon will also help to decide if the patient, usually a child, is psychologically ready to undergo treatment to correct the problem. Otherwise, a patient needs to simply be in good medical health and able to withstand the recovery process.

Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?
Generally speaking, the answer to this question is “no.” Insurance companies will not usually cover a procedure that’s considered “elective.” Unless the otoplasty at issue involves some sort of reconstruction, it will usually be seen by your insurance carrier as elective in nature. However, you should at the very least contact your carrier to find out whether or not it’s covered, and you should document any answer you get in order to avoid confusion or conflict after the procedure is complete.

Generally speaking, patients have three common questions when it comes to this procedure: “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for otoplasty?”, “How will I be evaluated for otoplasty?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” If you would like more specific answers in regards to these questions, or you have others, you need to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon today for a full consultation.

Otoplasty Specifics

As you consider otoplasty, you’ll need to obtain information regarding every aspect of the procedure. Patients need to be prepared with knowledge regarding pre-surgery, post-op recovery and of course, knowledge of the actual procedure and how it’s performed. Two extremely common questions in regards to the otoplasty procedure are, “Where are incisions placed for otoplasty?” and “What are some variations to the common otoplasty method?” Each of these answers is provided below, but your best source for specific information as it relates to your situation is available from an experienced cosmetic surgeon.

Where are incisions placed for otoplasty?
Generally speaking, the incisions for otoplasty are quite small in nature and nearly invisible to the naked eye after the surgery is complete. Most surgeons will make incisions behind the ear and extra cartilage is discarded. The ears are then gently pulled back into correct position, sutured and left to heal. These sutures typically heal quickly, and there are very few limitations placed on the patient after the procedure is complete.

What are some variations to the common otoplasty method?
In most cases, the incisions and techniques used to perform otoplasty are standard. Incisions behind the ear not only allow for faster healing, but also for a less visible recovery. In certain cases, incisions may be placed in slightly different locations depending on the facial, skin and bone structures of patients, but surgeons will always look to make any incisions in a location that’s not overly visible and in a location that allows for fast healing. Behind the ears is a location that meets both needs, which is why variations with otoplasty are few and far between.

What about my ears?
If you’d like to know specifically how otoplasty will be performed on your ears, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation. During this consultation, your surgeon will be able to analyze your facial structure and sometimes literally show you how your ears will look when the surgery is complete.

Overall, patients have several questions in regards to otoplasty. Specifically, two commonly-asked questions are, “Where are incisions placed for otoplasty?” and “What are some variations to the common otoplasty method?” If you’d like to know more about this surgery or have any other cosmetic questions, contact a cosmetic surgeon today for detailed and specific answers to your questions. Doing so will allow you to take the next step towards achieving the cosmetic results you deserve.

Otoplasty Preparation

As you get ready for otoplasty, the best way to do so is to be armed with as much information as possible. The more knowledgeable you are in regards to a subject, the less stressful the procedure will be. As such, you’ll find answers below to three of the most commonly-asked questions in regards to this ear procedure. These questions are, “What are some of the risks associated with otoplasty?”, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?” and “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?” For more specific answers to your questions, contact a cosmetic surgeon for a full consultation.

What are some of the risks associated with otoplasty?
There is risk associated with any surgery, but those associated with otoplasty are extremely rare in number and nature. However, surgery always involves at least minimal risks, and those often reported as a result of otoplasty include a small percentage of patients who may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Patients may also occasionally develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics.

What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?
Preparatory steps for surgery should always be taken, and the best way to plot out what those steps should be is to speak with your cosmetic surgeon, as he or she will always have a specific list of recommendations and guidelines for you to follow as you get ready to complete the procedure. In general, cosmetic surgeons will recommend strategies regarding eating, drinking, sleeping, exercise and smoking, but the list could also include other factors depending on your situation.

What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
The day of your surgery will encompass several emotions, and the day itself will fly by in what seems like an instant. Every patient feels some degree of anxiety towards any surgery, and that is completely normal. You will also most likely be excited, as corrective ear surgery is something that very well could change the way you feel about yourself and boost your confidence tremendously. The surgery itself will not take long, and you’ll most likely be able to go home after it’s complete.

Overall, three extremely common questions in regards to otoplasty are, “What are some of the risks associated with otoplasty?”, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?” and “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?” If you’d like to see how these questions and their answers pertain to your situation, or you have other questions, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon for a full consultation. Doing so will get you started on what could be a whole new outlook on life.

Otoplasty Recovery

Planning for any surgery requires you to obtain knowledge in regards to every phase of the procedure. You’ll need to plan your preparatory steps for the surgery, you’ll need to know how the surgery will be done and you’ll need to be ready for the recovery period. In regards to the post-op phase of otoplasty, three of the most commonly-asked questions are, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” Answers to each of these questions are provided below.

How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?
As is the case with any surgery, you’ll be a bit groggy and sore immediately after it’s completed. However, you should be back on your feet and moving around within a matter of hours, and most patients are released from the hospital the same day. In some cases, however, as when the patient is a child, the patient may be kept overnight for observation.

When can I pursue my normal activities again?
Resuming normal activities after otoplasty usually occurs in stages. Generally speaking, a patient can resume his or her routine of school or work within seven to ten days. However, any activity that may involve the bending of the ear should be avoided for at least a month, as the incisions and new ear structure need time to set themselves before being placed under any stress.

How long can I expect results to last?
Given that a large percentage of these surgeries are performed on children, most patients enjoy the benefit of a lifetime of results. Since ears are not normally features that change with age, there should be an expectation of the results to be permanent, with a few exceptions included.

Overall, three of the most common questions patients have in regards to otoplasty recovery are, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” Although many of these answers are standard in nature, no two individuals are exactly alike, which means that the best source of information regarding your post-op possibilities is your cosmetic surgeon. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will be able to provide you with guidelines regarding the procedure itself, your recovery, and even how you’ll look and feel once the surgery is complete. It’s time to take charge of your life and provide yourself with a new look - contact a cosmetic surgeon today.

Otoplasty Checklist

Below is all the basic information you should need as you consider the possibility of corrective ear surgery. If you have more specific questions, you can find answers to them by contacting a cosmetic surgeon today.

Background of Otoplasty
The background of otoplasty dates back for many years, as this has always been one of the simplest procedures that carries a very low amount of risk and fast recovery time. Not to mention, the benefits of otoplasty should last a lifetime in many cases.

Best Candidates for Otoplasty
The best candidates for otoplasty are people in good health of all ages, but statistically speaking the best candidates for this procedure appear to be children between the ages of four and 14, as the ears are almost completely formed by the time a child is four years old.

Uncertainty and Risk
There is uncertainty and risk with any procedure, but otoplasty is extremely safe. In regards to uncertainty and risk, however, there are a few complications that can arise. Generally, patients can experience swelling and the formation of scar tissue around the surgical area, but these rare complications are easily treated with antibiotics.

Planning for Otoplasty Surgery
Planning for surgery is a collaborative effort between you and your cosmetic surgeon. Basically, planning for surgery involves following certain guidelines regarding diet, sleep and logistics, as you’ll need a ride home after surgery.

Preparing for Otoplasty Surgery
Preparing for surgery is critical to the overall success of the procedure. This preparation basically involves gathering as much information as possible so that nothing surprises you. Your cosmetic surgeon will begin the process of preparing for surgery by providing you with specific steps involved with otoplasty.

Where Otoplasty Surgery is Performed
Where surgery is performed really depends on the situation. Many times, the procedure is completed at an out-patient care facility, but if the patient is a child, the surgery may be performed at a hospital to facilitate overnight observation.

How Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed is quite standard. Incisions are placed behind each ear, the loose cartilage is removed, and the ears are pulled back and bandaged for fast healing. The scars from the incisions are barely visible.

Anesthesia
Generally, local anesthesia is administered for patients, but if the patient is a child, general anesthesia can be given to quell fears and anxiety.

Post-Op
The post-op period for patients of otoplasty is usually quite smooth. Patients are generally back up and around within a few days, and most normal activities can resume within a week or two.