Otoplasty (Ear Surgery / Ear Pinning)
Our face is the first thing people visually notice about us. Our ears rarely attract attention when normal in size and relationship to our other facial features. If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery of the ear.
WHAT IS OTOPLASTY?
Plastic surgery of the ear, known as otoplasty, is most commonly performed to correct the position of ears that protrude significantly from the sides of the head. Such protrusion makes the ears appear to be larger than normal. Protruding ears may occur on one or both sides in varying degrees and are not associated with hearing loss. There are also other less common ear deformities that can affect one ear or both, such as: constricted ear, Stahl's ear, cryptotia, or microtia. These conditions can also be corrected through otoplasty.
IS OTOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME?
Treatment of protruding or disfigured ears is possible as early as age 5, when a child's ear cartilage is stable enough for correction. Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are: healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections; cooperative and follow instructions well; and able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objection when surgery is discussed. Teenagers and adults defined as good candidates for ear surgery are: healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing; non-smokers; and individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT RIGHT AFTER SURGERY?
Bandages or dressings will be applied to keep the surgical site clean, protect it from trauma and to support the new position of the ear during initial healing. Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed, for any reason. Failure to do so may result in loss of some of the correction and may require a secondary surgery.
A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as the day following surgery, as long as the ears are protected. Children should refrain from rough or aggressive play until healing is complete. The dressing will be removed by your surgeon or nurse 5-7 days following ear surgery. The surgical wound will be cleansed and any external stitches will be removed. Healing will continue for several weeks and incision lines will slowly refine and fade. You should continue to follow your surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT OVER TIME?
The outcome of the surgery to correct protruding ears is present almost immediately. Children accept their improved appearance quite quickly and a positive change in self-esteem can rapidly develop. It may take several months for swelling to completely subside and incision lines to refine and fade. During this time, proper skin care and diligent sun protection are essential. In addition, the ears should be protected from extreme cold or injury. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in phases and feelings of fulfillment will increase as the ears assume their new shape. |
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At The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery office, Todd M. Van Ye, MD & Pawel Stachowicz, MD offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Eastern Wisconsin including: Neenah, Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Fond du Lac Wisconsin. Contact the The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery office today to schedule your FREE Otoplasty (Ear Surgery / Ear Pinning) Consultation! |