Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Florida
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, can improve the shape, proportion or position of the ears. It can also correct defects in the ear’s structure that may be present from birth.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure that can improve the shape or proportion of the ears. It can also reposition the ears for a more appealing appearance, correct defects from birth or repair damage to the ear caused by an injury.
The Art of a Natural Appearance With Otoplasty
Ear surgery creates a natural shape while balancing and improving the proportion of the ears. Correction of even minor deformities can have a profound impact on appearance and self-esteem.
Benefits of Otoplasty
Otoplasty can repair damage to the ear. It can also reduce the size of overly large ears, particularly for patients with a rare condition called macrotia, which causes this. Protruding ears can also be reduced and balanced on one or both sides.
Otoplasty offers almost immediate results for many patients.
Is Otoplasty Right for Me?
You may be a candidate for ear surgery if you:
- Are a child who is:
- Healthy without any life-threatening conditions or untreated chronic ear infections
- Generally, five years of age or older, when the cartilage is stable enough for correction
- Cooperative and follows instructions
- Able to communicate well
- Are a teen who is:
- Healthy without any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions which can impair hearing
- Not a smoker
- Positive with realistic goals and positive outlook
Ear surgery is an individual procedure and should be done for your own self, not to fulfill someone else’s expectations or to fit any sort of “ideal image.”
Elements of an Otoplasty Procedure
There are four steps to an otoplasty procedure.
Step 1 - Anesthesia
You will be given medication so that you will be comfortable during the surgical procedure. Local, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are appropriate for this procedure, and your surgeon will recommend the best option for you.
Step 2 - The Procedure
Incisions are most often made on the back of the ear. The surgeon will use techniques to create or increase antihelical folds inside the rim of the ear and reduce enlarged cartilage. If incisions are required on the front of the ear, they are hidden inside the natural folds of the ear. Internal sutures are used to maintain the position of the ear and cartilage.
Step 3 - Closing the Incisions
Ear incisions are typically closed with removable or absorbable sutures. Each surgeon will individually design the sutures’ location to ensure the ears do not appear unnaturally pinned back.
Step 4 - See The Results
Many otoplasty patients see immediate results as soon as the dressings are removed. Surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear in its new position or well hidden within the natural folds of the ear.
How Involved Is the Otoplasty Procedure?
Many otoplasty patients are able to return home the same day. If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, be sure someone is able to drive you home and provide any assistance you may need the first night. You will receive special instructions on what to do on the day of the surgery and instructions on follow-up and post-operative care, as well as information on the type of anesthesia being used.
How Long Is the Recovery After an Otoplasty Procedure?
While you will notice immediate results, you may notice improvements over several months following your procedure. Minimize stressful and high-contact activities that may damage the ears while they heal. Your surgeon will notify you when you can resume contact sports and other strenuous activities.
How Much Does an Otoplasty Procedure Cost?
Prices will vary based on your individual case. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with additional information during your consultation. The cost will vary depending on your geographic location and the type of procedure used.
Many plastic surgeons offer payment and financing options for patients. Be sure to ask your surgeon’s office for more information.
Questions To Ask Your Otoplasty Surgeon
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your procedure and individual recovery period. For example:
- How many procedures of this type have you performed?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected to get the best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- What shape, size, surface texturing, incision site and placement site are recommended for me?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
- What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my ear surgery?
- Do you have before and after photos I can look at for each procedure and what are reasonable results?
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
- When do I return for follow-up care?
- What is the cost of my procedure? What does that cost include?
What Should I Do Next?
The first and most important thing to do is to select a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that you can trust. ASPS surgeons meet rigorous standards. They are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS). Each surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training.
Other standards required for ABPS surgeons includes:
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.
By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the ABPS.
If you or your child has been bullied because of the appearance of your ears, or if you have damaged your ears, consider otoplasty to repair and reconstruct the ear with a board-certified plastic surgeon.