Atlanta and Roswell Otoplasty Ear Surgery
Other Procedures
Ear surgery is known as otoplasty in the medical profession. Its purpose is to set prominent ears back more closely to the head. Otoplasty is also performed to reduce the size of large ears. This particular cosmetic surgery procedure is performed on children as much as on adults, if not more so. A child with oversize or prominent ears is going to be the subject of teasing; for that reason parents may bring a child to a cosmetic surgeon. It is important that the child be a part of the decision making process and express a desire to have the change made.
Ear surgery is generally an outpatient process, as are most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The use of anesthesia will still allow the patient to return home following completion of the surgery and some recovery time. Occasionally the cosmetic surgeon may prefer an inpatient procedure if the surgery has some complexity to it.
During the procedure the plastic surgeon will make a small incision on the back of the ear. One of the more common techniques is exposure of the cartilage which is then shaped and bent back closer to the side of the head. This will reduce the profile of the ear and it will no longer have the prominent – and awkward – appearance that can cause acute self consciousness.
If the cosmetic surgeon wants to reduce the size of the ear, he or she will make a similar small incision, bend it back upon itself and then join the flapped cartilage to the ear with sutures. This process reshapes the ear without removing cartilage.
When the ear surgery is completed, the head is wrapped in a snug, bulky bandage to maintain the new ear position and promote healing. That bandage will remain in place for a few days, and then replaced with a lighter wrapping resembling a headband. It is important to protect these newly aligned ears for a few weeks while they heal. If the ear surgery has been performed on a child s/he should avoid any recreational activity that might result in an ear being accidentally pressured or bent.
Down time for ear surgery is usually about a week. Thereafter, adults can return to work and children to school, if s/he is careful about playground activity. For children in particular, this particular cosmetic surgery procedure can be a real life-changing event. Constant teasing can really take its toll on a child.
If you live in the Atlanta area and are considering Otoplasty surgery, contact our practice to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Otoplasty Consultation
Our Roswell office is the preferred choice for Otoplasty surgery procedures in the region. If you live in the Atlanta area and are interested in such procedures, contact the office of Dr. Brian Howard today.
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Dr. Brian Howard
1357 Hembree Road, Suite 200,
Roswell, Georgia 30076
