Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
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Even small differences of the shape and position of the ear can be bothersome and be a source of embarrassment. An Otoplasty is a surgery to change the shape, size, and/or position of the outer ear.Common Reasons for Ear Surgery
Common reasons for an Otoplasty include:
Cup Ear
Tight cartilage along the edge, causing it to cup forward
Prominent Ears
Ears that “stick out”
Stahl’s Ear
Extra ridge of cartilage at the upper ear, making it appear pointy
Large Earlobes
Cryptotia
Lack of definition at the upper part of the ear
Macrotia
Overly large ears
Lop Ear
Folded cartilage along the upper part of the ear
How is an Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty can be done under local anesthesia, if the correction needed is small or straightforward. More commonly, it is done under general anesthesia. The surgical technique is customized to address your specific concern with ear shape, size, and/or position. For instance, the surgery to treat prominent ears may require cutting, bending, and suturing the cartilage to help “pin” the ears back. Whenever possible, incisions are hidden at the back of the ear or in the grooves of the ear to minimize any visible scarring.
Otoplasty can be done in adults or children, starting around 5-6 years old and up.
Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
If you are in the Houston area, you may be a candidate for an Otoplasty if you:
- RAre self-conscious about the size, shape, or position of your ears
- RHave ears that “stick out”
- RDo not feel comfortable wearing your hair up or cut short due to the appearance of your ears
- RMaintain good control of all medical issues
- RHave realistic expectations for surgery
- RAre a non-smoker and do not use any nicotine
Otoplasty Recovery
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Typically, a special bandage is applied to the ear and kept in place for about 3-5 days. The bandage does not need to be changed during that time. To help reduce swelling, you should sleep with your head propped up on several pillows. If any stitches need to be removed, they will be removed about a week after surgery. Most patients can return to school or work within a week after surgery. In most cases, you should not restart exercise or sports for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Otoplasty Results
Some swelling will be present but will go down significantly after 1-2 weeks from surgery. Scars are hidden behind the ear or in the grooves of the ear whenever possible. Scar therapy is usually recommended to optimize the appearance of the scar and make it as discrete as possible. Dr. Rodriguez strives to create changes at the ears that do not appear surgical or overdone. The changes should leave your ears looking natural, balanced, and proportionate.
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