How Does an Otoplasty Procedure Work
Did you know that about 5 % of the population experiences protruding ears? While this condition may not be physically harmful, it has been shown to have detrimental effects on the mental health of both children and adults, resulting in confidence issues and being the target of bullies of all ages. For that reason, these patients might want to consider an Otoplasty procedure.
An Otoplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure that will reshape your ears and pull them back, closer to your head, preventing them from sticking out. This is how the procedure works.
Why Have An Otoplasty?
An Otoplasty might be a choice for you for the following reasons:
- Your ears are too large and not in proportion of your head.
- You have one or more ears that stick out too far from your head.
- You have suffered an ear injury that has altered the appearance of one or both of your ears.
- You have previously had an ear procedure and are unsatisfied with the results.
Who Can Have An Otoplasty?
You will need to be at least age 5 before an Otoplasty procedure can be considered. This is because the ears do not reach their full size until after the age of 5. Keep in mind that an Otoplasty procedure is completely cosmetic. It will not affect your ability to hear or where your ears are located on your head. It only deals with the degree that your ears stick out from your head.
Otherwise, you need to be in good health, to ensure the success of the surgery.
Can You Have An Otoplasty Done On One Ear?
Normally, the Otoplasty procedure is performed on both ears. Even if a patient has only one ear that is concerning, having the procedure done on both will help ensure symmetry. If you believe the problem is only with one ear, discuss your options with Dr. Pirani and he will help guide you toward the choice with the best possible outcome.
How The Procedure Works
An Otoplasty procedure works by removing cartilage and skin and then folding the cartilage into the ideal position. The cartilage and the incision are made secure with internal stitches, as well as external stitches to close the incision itself.
The specific procedure can vary based on the type of correction that you need. This means that the location of incisions will vary from person to person, looking at the individual situation. Normally, the incisions are done on the back of the ears or within the inner creases of the ears.
The time of the procedure can vary from patient to patient, but, on average, the procedure takes about two hours to complete.
The Recovery
Once you have had your Otoplasty performed, your ears will be bandaged for both support and protection, which Dr. Pirani will remove after several days. You are likely to feel slight discomfort and itching as the area heals. You will want to avoid sleeping on your side to keep pressure off of your ears.
After the bandages have been removed, you will notice swelling and redness in your ears as they heal from the procedure. You will need to wait for clearance before washing your ears or engaging in any physical activity that might harm your healing ears.
The Results
Fortunately, despite the healing time, you will be able to tell the results from the procedure immediately. Your ears will be pinned closer to your hear and will remain so permanently. Your procedure will not need to be repeated.
If you have had an Otoplasty in the past with another surgeon, but are not satisfied with your results, give Dr. Pirani’s office a call to schedule a consultation. Together, you will be able to build a treatment plan to reach your goals.
How To Get Started
The first step toward achieving the ear appearance of your dreams is to give our office a call to set up a consultation appointment. Dr. Pirani will then be able to evaluate your ear concerns and help you decide whether an Otoplasty is the right choice for you.
You don’t have to live with embarrassment over your ears. Give us a call today.