When your ears stick out too far from your head, it can be a source of embarrassment, frustration, and emotional stress. Corrective surgery, such as otoplasty, can alleviate many of these unwanted side effects. The procedure is the ideal choice for patients with prominent ears that are too large, misshapen, or protruding. Learn more about otoplasty and what it could do for you or your child with prominent ears that draw negative attention.
Correcting Prominent Ears
Prominent ears can be defined as those that do not lie flat against the head or even slightly away from the head. These ears will protrude outwards, often drawing attention away from the other facial features and unbalancing a patient’s overall look. Ears are meant to be more functional than beautiful, so when they protrude, they can be a real problem for some.
Not all ears should be the same, of course, but those that protrude too much are often unwanted. While some can get away with them, not everyone is satisfied with overly large or protruding ears. Sometimes, they can distract from how you look, attract teasing and negative attention, or create personal distress. Permanent correction of the ears is possible for patients of nearly any age, including children, all because of the otoplasty procedure.
The Otoplasty Procedure
An ear pinning procedure, one approach to otoplasty, can create the desired results you are looking to achieve for yourself or your child. Otoplasty can reshape and reposition the ears to a more natural location, even create symmetry and proportion to the other facial features as needed. Subtle changes to the ears can have dramatic effects, so every detail is handled carefully during an otoplasty procedure.
Otoplasty surgery will often be performed under general anesthesia and can last around one hour per ear, depending on the surgical changes that are being made. The surgery begins with an incision placed behind each ear in a well-hidden location. From here, the surgeon has access to the cartilage, bone, fat, and skin that comprise the ear. He can reduce or enlarge certain features of the ear to improve balance or manipulate the cartilage to change the shape. For prominent ears, sutures are used to pin the ears back closer to the head and create a more natural looking effect.
Good Candidates for Otoplasty
Starting at age six, prospective patients for otoplasty will be considered by your facial plastic surgery to have the procedure performed. An ideal candidate for surgery is someone in good overall health whodoesn’t smoke and has reasonable expectations for their otoplasty. It is possible for adults, teens, and children alike to request the procedure, so don’t avoid a consultation based on your age.
Parents interested in the procedure for their child or children should plan to sit in on a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. This is the best way to get a clear understanding of the procedure and what should be expected, as well as identifying your child’s candidacy for otoplasty. This is the perfect time to ask all of your questions about ask to see projected results of your child’s possible surgery.
Get a better handle on what changes are possible for you through otoplasty with the help of the new VECTRA 3D imaging system. This innovative device gives your surgeon the ability to take a 3D photo of yourself and make the projected changes. It can eliminate any miscommunications between you and the surgeon, as well as help to keep you satisfied with your results. Learn more about the VECTRA system during your consultation.
Start the Otoplasty Process Now
Plan your own otoplasty or one for your child when you consult with a facial plastic surgeon who has experience with the procedure. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 14 years and specializes in facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
