Otoplasty
Ears are our prime organs for hearing and balance but they also play an important role in creating a pleasing aesthetic proportion from all angles. Ear prominence and ear deformities can significantly affect one’s self esteem and may often lead to a lifetime of self-consciousness.
The ear’s external appearance can be improved through Otoplasty. Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to resculpt and reshape the outer ear.
The most common otoplasty surgery involves “ear pinning” or the correction of protruding ears. However, otoplasty can also correct:
- Abnormally large ear lobes
- Lop ear (ear tip folds down and trends forward)
- Shell ear (certain features of a normal ear are missing, such as the curve in the outer rim and other natural folds)
- Cupped ear (ear smaller than normal)
With many possible outer ear concerns, the surgeon can personalize otoplasty ear sculpture to your specific needs.
Call (787) 721-7200 or 729-4411 to schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon at New York Anti-Aging Centers in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The consultation fee at the center is only Fifty Dollars - $50.
Click here to request a consultation
Q & A
When is the ideal age to have Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, particularly ear pinning, can be performed at any age but is frequently performed on children. It is best planned after the ear nears full development at around five or six years old – therefore, that age is an excellent time to have a child evaluated by a plastic surgeon. Advantages of having the procedure earlier than later include less social trauma and softer ears to reshape.
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How is otoplasty performed?
The surgeon makes a lengthwise incision down the crease behind the ear. Sutures are used to correct the shape of the ear and change the position of the ear relative to the head. Sometimes the resculpting of the ear involves the removal or thinning of a piece of cartilage. For patients who desire reduction in the size of the ear, sometimes an incision is placed on the front of the ear, just inside the rim, where the incision will not be visible.
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How long would the procedure take?
Due to the custom nature of otoplasty, the duration of the surgery would depend on several factors including the type of correction that needs to be done and the complexity of each patient’s ears. On average, otoplasty surgery may take one and one-half to two and one-half hours. You will receive a better estimate during your consultation with the surgeon.
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Can I go home after surgery?
In general, yes. Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis for both adults and children.
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What kind of anesthesia will be given to me?
For children, otoplasty is best performed under general anesthesia. Adults may undergo the procedure with local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
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How will my recovery be like?
Bruising, swelling and soreness of the ear is not uncommon following surgery. Any discomfort can be controlled by pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. A slight loss of hearing may also result as a by-product of the swelling, but will last no more than a few days. In general, postoperative bruising and swelling begin to resolve at the end of the first week. Full recovery from it may take two to three weeks.
The heavy dressing placed on the head can be removed after 7 – 10 days, and replaced by lighter bandages. A completer recovery follows soon afterwards, although it is recommended to avoid any activity in which the ear may be bent for about four weeks.
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When can I go back to my normal routine?
Most patients take three to four days off work or school but occasionally a patient returns after one week. If there are privacy concerns, you may choose to take a week or two off work or school. Children who return to school after three to four days should remain out of physical education and contact sports for four weeks.
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Are the results permanent?
Yes. Otoplasty surgery generally produces permanent results.
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Your surgeon will provide pre and post op instructions prior to your procedure.
Call (787) 721-7200 or 729-4411 to schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon at New York Anti-Aging Centers in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The consultation fee at the center is only Fifty Dollars - $50.
Click here to request a consultation