April 24, 2014 | Otoplasty
Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery to correct congenital ear deformities, most commonly to pin protruding ears back closer to the head. Other procedures include reshaping the ears to be more symmetrical or reducing ear size to make them in proper proportion to the head. Ear folds can be corrected, as well as earlobes torn by earrings.
Both children and adults can benefit from otoplasty. It is important to note that otoplasty only corrects the outer surface of the ear; it in no way affects the patient’s ability to hear. Surgery can be performed on children once their ear cartilage has completely hardened, usually around five to seven years of age. The earlier your child can be brought in for treatment, the less chance he or she will be at risk for developing low self-esteem from being teased by classmates.
Depending on the procedure, otoplasty can take up to two to three hours and can be performed with local anesthesia and mild sedation. An incision is made behind the ear; then the cartilage and skin is removed or reshaped to the desired effect.
Many otoplasty procedures can now be safely performed in office, saving the patient and parent’s time and extra costs associated with a hospital stay.
As with many cosmetic procedures, you can expect some mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Many patients are able to return to work or school within five to seven days. Dr. Agullo will meet with you/your child, discuss your expectations and potential results, and customize a recovery plan. Call 915.590.7900 to schedule your consultation.
