Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Surgery
Plastic surgery is my passion, but I’m also an educator at heart. Each year, I present at numerous cosmetic surgery conferences and meetings both in the US and abroad to ensure that the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout over 30 years as a board-certified plastic surgeon benefits not only my patients but the patients of other surgeons as well. In addition to teaching my fellow surgeons, I also thrive on educating my patients. So often, people are living with aesthetic problems burdening their self-esteem, without even realizing that there is a solution within their reach. That is why I chose today to answer some of the most common questions about a lesser-known procedure, otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery.
Who can benefit from ear surgery?
There are a number of aesthetic concerns that can be addressed with otoplasty. Most of my ear surgery patients feel that their ears protrude too far from the sides of their head, but others are unhappy with the size or the symmetry of their ears. Unlike most cosmetic procedures, this surgery can actually be performed on patients of nearly any age. The ears reach near their adult size around age 5, so adults as well as children 6 years old or older may be candidates for otoplasty.
How is ear surgery performed?
The procedure itself will depend on the patient’s aesthetic goals. In the case of protruding ears, I use a technique known as ear pinning, in which I reshape the cartilage of the ear through an incision in the back of the ear. In other cases, incisions in other areas of the ear may be necessary.
Will I have scars after cosmetic ear surgery?
Scars are simply a part of the natural healing process, and any surgery will result in some type of scar. However, otoplasty scars are particularly subtle because they are typically limited to the back of the ear near the natural crease where the ear meets the head.
What should I expect during my ear surgery recovery?
Healing is an important part of the surgical process, but if you follow your post-surgical instructions closely, you can expect to return to work, school, or your other day-to-day activities within one to two weeks. For children, it’s crucial that the parents and the child are all in agreement about the cosmetic surgery and are all committed to the process.
Whether you’re an adult who has long struggled to feel happy with your appearance, or you’re a parent who is watching their child’s confidence dwindle, ear surgery can relieve the burden of self-consciousness if it’s performed by a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon. To start discussing whether you may be a candidate for otoplasty, schedule a plastic surgery consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more cosmetic surgery tips and helpful information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.