Ear Reshaping Surgery (Otoplasty)
Benefits Of An Otoplasty
The primary goal of an otoplasty (ear pinning back surgery) is to bring the ears back closer to the head. Usually, when the ears are excessive and noticeable, it is because they protrude from the scalp. Normally the ears should be at a certain angle with respect to the scalp and should not protrude more than about 1.8 centimeters (2/3 of an inch) from the scalp.
If the ears “stick out” excessively, they appear larger than usual. It is rare for the ears to be larger than normal, and they often look that way because they are not in the proper position.
Usually, ears that protrude also lack a specific characteristic called the antihelical fold. This natural crease in the ear runs just inside the ear near the outer rim, and when this fold is absent, the ears will protrude.
Part of the surgical correction of the ear is to create an antihelical fold.
Another part of the protruding ear is the conchal bowl. This is the cup part of the ear near the ear canal. This is often large and protruding, and part of the surgical correction of the ear is to bring the conchal bowl back closer to the head.
Sometimes the ears are uneven, with only one ear protruding. We can pin the protruding ear back and make it more similar to the other ear.
At What Age Can We Do Otoplasty Surgery To Correct The Ears?
The ears are essentially fully grown by the age of 7 or 8., which means ear reshaping surgery can safely be performed at an early age. Smith Plastic Surgery Institute recommends an otoplasty as early as age 7, allowing the patient’s ears to be corrected and avoiding the trauma that can occur in school regarding protruding ears. Young schoolchildren can be tactless. Often, patients are called names such as “dumbo” or “monkey ears,” etc. Because of this, we try to perform ear reshaping surgery in Las Vegas (Otoplasty) before a patient reaches the first or second grade. However, the surgery can be performed at any age, and we perform cosmetic ear surgery (ear reduction surgery) more on adults than on children.
How Is The Surgery Performed At Smith Plastic Surgery Institute?
As with any surgery, Otoplasty (ear reshaping surgery) varies slightly about the different shapes and positions of the ear. In adults, otoplasty (ear reshaping surgery) is usually performed under local anesthesia with or without some sedation. In children, otoplasty (pinning the ear back) is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation.
A small elliptical incision is made along the back of the ear, and some skin is removed from the back of the ear. Special permanent mattress sutures are placed into the ear cartilage. The permanent sutures are used to bend the ear cartilage back towards the head and, at the same, recreate the deficient antihelical fold. Sometimes after surgery, it may be possible to feel the sutures. There is little we can do about this, and the patient must be willing to accept this, as the sutures must be permanent and remain behind the ear under the skin. Usually, the conchal bowl is also enlarged or protruding (the deep cup part of the ear).
In most cases, a permanent or dissolvable suture is placed to pin the cartilage of the cup part of the ear back to the scalp. The board-certified plastic surgeon will then close the incisions behind the ear. After ear reshaping surgery (otoplasty or ear pinning back surgery), a small thin scar will be located behind the ear.
What You Can Expect In Terms Of Pain, Recovery, And Healing
The recovery after otoplasty (ear reshaping, ear reduction surgery) is one of the easiest cosmetic surgery. The pain is usually mild, and pain pills are only needed a couple of days after otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery). The ears will be a little bruised and swollen for 5 to 14 days, and typically it is not noticeable unless specifically looked for. Usually, patients who have ear reshaping surgery (otoplasty) are used to hiding their ears behind their hairstyle. The patient may return to work or school after only a few days unless their work involves strenuous physical activity. We ask the patient to wear a strap around the ears continuously for three days and at night for an additional three weeks after ear pinning back surgery (ear reduction surgery). This prevents the patient from rolling over while asleep, accidentally pulling the ear forward, and tearing the sutures in the early healing phase.
Scheduling A Consultation For Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery, Ear Reduction Surgery, Ear Pinning Back Surgery) With Dr. Smith
Holding 4 separate board certifications in plastic surgery, Dr. Lane Smith is an experienced surgeon in the field of ear reshaping surgery (ear reduction surgery), having performed hundreds of these procedures (Otoplasty). If you are concerned about your ears and would like to know if ear reshaping surgery (ear reduction surgery) is right for you, the best thing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith. This can be done by calling 702-838-2455 or filling out the contact form section on this website.