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Ear Surgery

Otoplasty is otherwise known as ear surgery specifically designed to address complaints of ears that are large, protruding, or uneven. A surgeon may recommend an otoplasty for one or both ears, and many patients are satisfied with the results because the surgery helps them achieve better facial harmony and improves self-esteem in patients with protruding ears. It is most commonly performed on adults, with otoplasty sometimes involving the repositioning of the ears closer to the head, resizing them, or refining their shape.

It is often performed as a procedure under local or general anesthesia in the outpatient service. In the operating room, the surgeon makes an incision at the rear part of the ear to expose cartilage whereupon cartilage is then molded, folded, and in some instances removed by the surgeon. Most people return to their daily activities in a matter of weeks with most results staying permanent; they have been shown to achieve a long-term look that is mostly not accompanied by visible marks from surgery.

Am I a good otoplasty candidate?

In the first session at our office for ear surgery, we discuss your whole history and see what is wanted from this cosmetic operation. Here are some of the issues that are involved in successfully moving forward with an otoplasty:

Active smokers will not be good candidates as they will have to quit nicotine for six weeks of abstinence before going in for ear surgery. Smoking can raise blood pressure levels, interfere with the processes of anesthesia, cause susceptibility to infection, and, above all, impair healing that occurs in the skin or cartilage.
Because general anesthesia is required in the process, the patient must be in good health.
A prospective patient should have a realistic perception of the final outcome. Part of your consultation with us will be discussing your probable outcomes.
You are not allowed to sleep on your side for at least two weeks after surgery and should avoid rubbing or scratching at your ears.

What is Ear Surgery process like?

While the actual procedures may differ, they all work similarly:

Step 1: Anesthesia

Ear surgery can be performed with a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation or general anesthesia. We always work with board-certified anesthesiologists for optimal patient safety.

Step 2: Incision:

As much as possible, we make the incisions on the back of the ear. If they have to be placed on the front, we try to place the incisions in the folds of the ear. This way, we avoid as much visible scarring as possible.

Step 3: Incision Closure

After the repair, we will close the site using sutures and a dressing. You will leave here wearing a headband during your recovery. On average, most patients take approximately two hours for the entire operation.

What can you expect?

Before

On the first consultation for Otoplasty, we will discuss your case with you and examine the structure of your ears to know exactly what you aim to achieve, followed by assessing your medical history. Then, you will have all the information regarding the ear surgery procedure, any potential outcome, and complications that may occur. There might be advice to avoid smoking and particular medications taken in order not to lead to bleeding during the treatment. In the case of young patients, specific measures concerning their adaptation to the whole process might be considered.

During

Otoplasty usually takes 1-2 hours of surgery and can be done formally or informally. It can employ local sedation or general anesthesia based on the age and other particulars of the operation. To reshape the ears close to the head in a natural fashion, the cosmetic surgeon incises behind the ears and rearranges the section of cartilage. At the end of surgery, the surgeon can suture the incision, which in some way lessens the appearance of a scar.

After

After the operation, you will feel some pain or may swell and possibly discolor around the surgery area, but these complications are manageable once you take some specified pain relievers. During surgery, the external ears will be wrapped; while healing, one must wear a protective headband at night. Most people return to work or school within a week, but you must avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Results are usually observed right away, but full recovery takes weeks as the swelling resolves. We will continue to monitor recovery.

Ear Surgery Recovery Time:

Immediately after the otoplasty, the patient experiences some pain, tenderness, and swelling. In most cases, the management of these symptoms is ensured through the use of medication. The patients are asked to avoid sleeping on one's side in order not to create any pressure on the ears.

Enhanced Self-esteem And Confidence

Alongside the remarkable physical changes our patients receive, many report dramatically enhanced self-esteem and confidence. This is the part of the job that makes us proudest. Seeing patients return to their lives with a new, heightened self-image is why the staff at Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgeons Los Angeles do what we do. If you want to join our patients, begin your transformation journey, and experience the spiritual ease that comes with increased confidence in your appearance, set up an initial consultation with us today.