Ear reshaping surgery or otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at correcting the size, shape or appearance of one or both ears to bring them in proportion to the rest of the face and head. Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic procedures that may be performed on children, apart from adults, as long as the child has attained complete ear development. Ear shape deformities usually occur from birth, and can be improved easily with otoplasty.
The plastic surgeon will carefully assess the shape and condition of the ear in relation to the facial and head anatomy, and then recommend an appropriate otoplasty surgical plan. The surgeon’s goal should be to achieve the desired results in a less invasive manner as far as possible. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides otoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Candidates
Any healthy individual who is bothered by the appearance of oversized, misshaped, asymmetrical or flapping ears can be a good candidate for otoplasty. Children with deformed or poorly shaped ears can also receive this cosmetic surgery procedure if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
- The child’s age is at least five years, and the ear cartilage has achieved full growth and stability.
- The child is not suffering from any untreated ear infection.
- The child is able to comprehend the surgeon’s advice and cooperate for a successful surgery.
Teens and adults will make equally good candidates for otoplasty. Dr. Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon receiving patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for otoplasty.
Surgical Procedure
Otoplasty may be performed using mild general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. If the ears are significantly protruding, the surgeon may build or enhance the anti-helical fold within the ear’s rim. The surgeon will also reduce the enlarged conchal cavity at the same time.
Placement of the incisions will usually be behind the ears so that the scars are minimally exposed. In a few cases, the ears may have to be made on the front side, but they will still be made within the ear folds. Internal sutures will be used to secure the newly shaped cartilage into the desired position.
The incisions will be closed with external sutures once the procedure has been completed. As long as otoplasty is performed by a skilled surgeon, the results can be natural looking and aesthetically pleasing. The good thing about otoplasty is that the results will usually be permanent.
Recovery
Recovery period can vary between two patients depending on whether one or both ears have been operated upon, and the extent of surgery performed. A majority of patients will be in a position to resume their normal routine or return to work in about one week.
During the first few days, the patient may use pain medication to stay comfortable. Bruising and swelling will reduce considerably from second week. External sutures will usually be removed during the first post-op appointment at the end of the first week.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
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