Otoplasty, AKA cosmetic ear surgery, is a procedure that corrects one, or both, of the ears that have an abnormal shape or size. The surgery is normally performed on children ages 4-14 as well as on adults who did not have the surgery during childhood. Otoplasty reshapes the ears to make them appear less misshapen or prominent. The procedure can also reduce the size of the ears and earlobes as well as remove excess skin and cartilage. Cosmetic ear surgery is performed by board-certified doctors and there are a number of qualities patients should look for when it comes to choosing a surgeon.
What to Look for in a Otoplasty Surgeon
When looking for an otoplasty surgeon, it is important to keep these items in mind:
Experience of Your Surgeon – Make sure your surgeon has a good amount of experience with cosmetic ear surgery. Find a surgeon who is trained in the procedure and is very familiar with performing otoplasty on adults as well as children.
Results – Ask your doctor for before and after photos of previous surgeries he or she has performed on other patients. Be sure to ask specifically for cases similar to your own.
Personal Attention – Some doctors see so many patients that they begin to overlook the individual needs of each case. Find a doctor that you trust to take your surgery personally and who will give you realistic expectations about the final results
Board-Certified Doctor – Board-certification means the doctor has been trained in the highest standards of research, ethics and physician practices. Check to see if your doctor is board-certified by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) or by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Patient Reviews – The Internet allows instant access to a variety of information. Visit websites such as Yelp to view and read reviews from actual patients. Your doctor might have many positive reviews so be sure and look for any specific complaints that might be mentioned by more than one patient. Actual patient reviews can give you a good idea of the way the doctor treats the majority of his patients.
Otoplasty Specialist – It is not absolutely necessary to find a surgeon whose only focus is otoplasty. There are many cosmetic surgeons who can perform ear surgery but having a doctor who solely focuses on ear injuries or deformities might make you feel more comfortable about having the surgery. Depending on the type of change you wish to make in the appearance of your ears, an otoplasty specialist likely has the specific training and experience to help you achieve your desired results.
Here’s a detailed checklist on items you should look for in a cosmetic surgeon.
How Otoplasty is Performed
Once you know what to look for in an otoplasty doctor, you also need to be aware of how otoplasty is performed so you can be prepared to ask questions during your consultation appointment. Ear reshaping surgery involves the surgeon making an incision behind the ear in order to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped by the surgeon and any excess skin will be removed. If needed, the ear is repositioned closer to the head and the incision is closed with sutures. In general, the surgery only takes between 1 and 2 hours. Patients with ears that protrude greatly have their ears pinned to place them closer to the side of the head. Ear pinning removes skin from the back of the ear as well as cartilage sparing to make the ideal ear shape for the patient.
In general, ear reshaping and pinning can be performed by:
Cartilage Scoring – Incisions are made in the cartilage to add, remove or rearrange the tissue. Stitches and sutures are used to help change the position and shape of the ear. Although there is a bigger risk of scarring with this method, the scars are normally difficult to see.
Reconstructive Ear Surgery – Some examples of medical cases that require reconstructive ear surgery include burns, lacerations and any damage to piercings. Both skin grafts and the removal of cartilage can be utilized to reconstruct the damaged ear.
Bilateral Otoplasty – While it is done in the same manner as surgery on a single ear, a bilateral otoplasty is performed when a patient has cosmetic needs for both ears.
Ear Reduction Surgery – Instead of being worried about how much the ears are protruding from the head, some patients are more concerned about the shape and size of their ears. Ear reduction surgery is performed to give larger ears a more natural look by removing any unwanted skin and cartilage to reshape the ear into a size that looks more natural.
The average cost of otoplasty is $3000-$7000. This price range does not include any fees charged by the surgeon or the surgical facility and it does not include anesthesia fees. The final price can also be determined by the part of the country where the surgery is performed and the technique used by the surgeon.
Questions to Ask the Otoplasty Doctor
Armed with the proper knowledge regarding the surgery and qualities to look for in a doctor, there are a number of questions to ask in order to get a better idea of how experienced your doctor is performing otoplasty. These questions include:
Taking the opportunity to do proper research and asking pertinent questions can save you time and money in the long run. Finding the right otoplasty surgeon with has the skills and experience to give you the results you desire can save you from having to undergo revision surgery in the future.
MA
-
0 Comments
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning is a cosmetic surgery for kids or adults whose ears stick out too far or have ears that aren’t properly bent....... Read more >
Ear reduction, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that changes the shape, size or position of the ears. It is...... Read more >
The extent of an otoplasty procedure also known as cosmetic ear surgery, depends on the problem with the ear. There are specific measurements used...... Read more >
