Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to correct misshapen, asymmetrical, or protruding ears to improve facial symmetry and proportional facial balance. Prominent or misshapen ears can be a real source of significant emotional distress for both adults and children. Fortunately, this simple surgical procedure can often reshape the ears in a single procedure to enhance the overall cosmetic appearance of the ears.
What causes protruding ears?
At what age can a child have an otoplasty procedure done?
A child can have an otoplasty procedure done between the ages of 5 and 6 when the ear is fully developed and before the child is about to start school. This timing is also important because it is when a child begins to develop self-esteem.
Who is an ideal candidate for otoplasty surgery?
You may be interested in having otoplasty surgery if you have
What can you expect during a consultation?
During your consultation, Dr. Pero will examine your ears and develop a treatment plan. He will also discuss the otoplasty procedure, describing in detail the steps he’ll take to make your desired correction. This is the time for you to ask your questions, so you have a clear understanding of the procedure and have appropriate expectations.
How is the otoplasty performed?
Otoplasty involves a careful analysis of the ear deformity itself and correction of the deformity or prominence either with or without an incision placed behind the ear (traditional vs. incisionless otoplasty). Permanent sutures are placed beneath the surface to help the ears maintain their new shape.
The goal of an otoplasty procedure, of course, is to bring the ears closer to the head and lessen any asymmetry between them while avoiding an unnatural or “pinned back” appearance.
Incisionless otoplasty is performed with sutures passed directly under the skin without a separate incision. This allows for less healing, no scarring and an excellent result in carefully selected patients. Eligibility for this procedure depends on each patient’s unique anatomy.
Valuable insights from Dr. Pero’s video library to help you decide if otoplasty is right for you.
How long does the procedure take?
Dr. Pero takes 60-90 minutes to perform the otoplasty depending upon the techniques required.
What type of anesthesia is used for otoplasty?
Dr. Pero uses general anesthesia for children aged 10 and younger. For everyone else, he performs the procedure in the office under local anesthesia with or without IV sedation.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients do not have significant pain or discomfort following otoplasty surgery. Typically, patients may experience some discomfort only the first night after surgery, but this can be controlled with prescription medication. Over-the-counter medication may be used after the first night, if needed.
Is otoplasty performed on an outpatient basis?
Yes, otoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis at our North Texas office location, surgery center or hospital.
What can you expect after surgery?
After surgery, a headband is often used to help maintain the new shape for several weeks or months depending on each patient.
Generally, a removable elastic bandage is placed over the ears and patients keep it on day and night for the first week, post-surgery. For the following 7 days, patients will need to wear this bandage at nighttime only. At 10 days post-surgery, any remaining absorbable stitches will be removed.
Are there any aftercare instructions to follow?
For the first night after surgery, you should rest in bed and keep your head elevated with two pillows. You should also follow a bland diet the first night home, and take any medication as prescribed for pain and discomfort.
How soon can you return to normal activities after surgery?
Patients can return to work or school within 3-4 days after surgery and should avoid exercise for 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
Are there any complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
As with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications--a reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, or a wound infection. On a rare occasion that a wound becomes infected, it is treated with an antibiotic. Asymmetries, sensitive ears, and suture extrusion are other rare complications as well.
Are scars visible after the procedure?
In the appropriate candidate, the incisionless otoplasty provides an excellent result with no visible scarring. In patients undergoing traditional otoplasty, the incision is well-hidden behind the ear so there are no visible scars, especially after healing.
"Dr. Pero listened to every concern that I had and made me feel very confident leading up to the procedure. He explains everything so well and REALLY cares that you get the results that you want! Dr. Pero also did fillers in my cheeks and under my eyes, which just look awesome."
"Dr. Pero listened to every concern that I had and made me feel very confident leading up to the procedure. He explains everything so well and REALLY cares that you get the results that you want! Dr. Pero also did fillers in my cheeks and under my eyes, which just look awesome."
"Dr. Pero listened to every concern that I had and made me feel very confident leading up to the procedure. He explains everything so well and REALLY cares that you get the results that you want! Dr. Pero also did fillers in my cheeks and under my eyes, which just look awesome."
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