If you are considering Otoplasty
Ear surgery, ear pinning or otoplasty,
is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head
or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the
operation is done on children between the ages of 4 and 14.
Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the
surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have
to endure. Cosmetic ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there
are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery
on an older patient.
All surgery carries some uncertainty & risk
Complications are infrequent
and usually minor, nevertheless, as with any operation; there
are risks associated with surgery and specific complications
associated with this procedure. A small percentage of patients
may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally
or can be drawn out with a needle. Occasionally, patients
develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar
tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics;
rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
Planning your Otoplasty surgery
Most surgeons will
recommend that parents stay alert to their child's feelings
about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your
child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about
their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative
during the process and happier with the outcome. In the initial
meeting, Dr. Asaadi will evaluate your child's condition or
yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and recommend
the most effective technique. He will also give you specific
instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
Contact Dr. Asaadi:
Request an Appointment
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The Otoplasty surgery
Ear surgery usually
takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures
may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes
a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear
cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend
it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used
to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon
will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more
natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. Another
ear pinning technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear.
Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage
back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the
back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one
ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both
ears for a better balance.
To see additional results
of cosmetic ear surgery please visit our before and after gallery.
View Dr. Asaadi’s Otoplasty Before & After Photos
Getting back to normal
Adults and children
are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although
you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child
until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off. The
patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately
following surgery to promote the best molding and healing.
The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this
can be relieved by medication.
Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by
a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to
follow the doctor's directions for wearing this dressing,
especially at night. Stitches are usually removed, or will
dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might
be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can
go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can
go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful
about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's
teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks
Dr. Asaadi and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation or Schedule an appointment online @ either our New York or New Jersey offices.