Ear Surgery
View GalleryEAR SURGERY
If they are larger or look unusual, the ears can draw attention away from your face. Whatever the visual concern is about your ears, from regrets about former piercings to prominent ears that stick out, it can be addressed with ear surgery.
WHAT IS EAR SURGERY?
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that may include a range of different techniques, depending on your needs. Ear surgery addresses any visual concerns with the ears, including misshapen ears due to trauma, ear size too small or large, improperly positioned ears, folded ear tips, torn earlobes, and many other unwanted issues.
Ear surgery requires a specialist who works with precision to perfectly address cosmetic concerns using a variety of techniques. The end goal is to achieve ears that look natural and that do not take any attention away from the face.
WHY HAVE EAR SURGERY?
Ear surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons. Some children are born with protruding ears or ears that lack normal definition. Many adults have been unhappy with the appearance of their ears for much of their lives. This can be a source of social discomfort to both children and adults.
Otoplasty can often correct this problem. This surgery can be performed after the age of four or five, when the ear has reached near adult size. This surgery can be performed in the office or a surgery center on an outpatient basis.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EAR SURGERY?
Ears are difficult to hide. That’s why they can cause such concern if you’re unhappy or embarrassed about the way they look. Having ear surgery provides quite a range of benefits for patients who want to stop thinking about their ears and enjoy a better quality of life. Benefits include the following:
- Creates proportion and facial balance
- Enlarges small ears or reduces large ears
- Resolves ear trauma or congenital defects
- Results are permanent
- Surgery is safe and generally has a short recovery period
- Addresses a wide range of ear lobe concerns
- Can reverse unwanted piercings or gauges
- Resolves ears that stick out or otherwise attract unwanted attention
- Improves confidence
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A AN EAR SURGERY PROCEDURE?
Ear surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia, although in some cases it may be performed under general anesthesia. Your surgery will take about two hours. Incisions are usually made in the inner creases or on the backs of the ears.
Based on what is needed to address your ear concerns, the technique performed will vary. Cartilage may be trimmed down, tissue removed or repositioned, and other procedures may be used. After meeting with you to examine your ears and understand your aesthetic goals, your surgeon will discuss the details of your specific surgical plan with you ahead of time.
RECOVERY AFTER EAR SURGERY
After your ear surgery, your ears will be covered in bandages that support and project them during the first few days of the healing process. You will experience mild pain and itchiness, which can be well managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Bruising and swelling will begin to subside after about three days. Do not contact or put any pressure on your ears, and be sure you sleep on your back in the initial days of healing.
Typically, patients feel comfortable returning to school or work after about a week has passed. However, if the procedure was relatively minimal, the recovery period may be shorter.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR EAR SURGERY?
Anyone, including children past the age of five, who would like to address the shape and size of their ears or trauma to their ear or ears, is likely a candidate for ear surgery. Candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Are in good health
- Do not have serious medical concerns, such as a bleeding disorder
- Do not smoke
- Ears have fully formed (typically, this happens at age five)
- Do not have a history of scarring complications
- Have realistic expectations about what ear surgery can achieve
WHY CHOOSE CRISWELL & CRISWELL PLASTIC SURGERY FOR EAR SURGERY?
At Criswell & Criswell, patients can expect modern, safe procedures performed by compassionate, understanding professionals. Our surgeons are board certified, award-winning, and highly experienced. They are known for stunning results, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving patients’ desired results. Whether you are seeking ear surgery for yourself or your child, you can rest assured that you’re in excellent hands at Criswell & Criswell. Please call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your ear surgery with us.