Your ears are some of the most visible parts of your body. Aside from hearing, you also use them to hold your hair from your face, hang your earrings, and more. That said, while most people proudly show off their ears, others are self-conscious if they think their ears are oddly shaped or stick out too much.
5 percent of children are born with ear defects. Trauma, like accidents or ear piercings, can also cause the ear to lose its natural shape. If that’s the case, you might consider getting otoplasty to correct the ears’ shape and make them look pretty and original again. Read our blog and find out everything there is to know about this procedure!
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also referred to as ear surgery, is a procedure that corrects the size and shape of one’s outer ear. It is most often cosmetic, and it can fix both the cartilage and the poorly shaped skin on the ear.
The most common type of otoplasty is ear pinning, which brings protruding ears closer to the scalp. If the ears are abnormally large, Dr. D’Souza can also remove and reshape excess cartilage. Similarly, otoplasty can be used to increase the size of abnormally small ears. The purpose of otoplasty is to bring the ear to a shape that you are comfortable with.
When Should You Get Otoplasty?
There is no perfect moment for undergoing otoplasty, as every person who is uncomfortable because of their ear shape can select this procedure. There is no age limit for the procedure either, with children and older people alike opting for it. However, it is recommended for children to wait until they are at least five to six years old to have the surgery. That’s when their bodies develop enough, and you start noticing the differences in facial features.
Teenagers and adults can also choose otoplasty if they feel self-conscious about their abnormal ears. Prominent ears can leave a significant psychological impact on an individual, especially if they get bullied during their early years. As a result, there’s no such thing as “too early” to get ear surgery if you feel embarrassed about your ears.
You might also decide to have ear surgery if your ears are deformed by trauma or earrings. This can restore facial balance.
What to Expect After Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure, which means that you should expect some recovery time. However, as it is an outpatient surgery, most patients can go home on the same day. Still, since anesthesia is used to increase comfort during the procedure, it is recommended to have someone pick you up from the office.
Patients must wear a bandage for a few days, as this will offer support while protecting the surgical site. You will likely feel some discomfort, especially after the anesthesia wears off, which is normal. Itching can occur in the days after the surgery as your wound heals, so you should be careful not to scratch it. You should wear a headband at night once the bandage comes off to prevent irritation.
Total recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure. It takes about three to four weeks to heal and see the results, but most patients can return to work within two weeks. You should avoid sweat-inducing activities during that time to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
Ready to Regain Your Confidence?
Otoplasty can significantly increase self-confidence, which gives you the chance to show off your ears without feeling embarrassed. Once you make the decision, call Iconic Plastic Surgery and set up an appointment for otoplasty!
For more information about otoplasty, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza would be more than happy to answer all your questions. There is also the option of filling out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible for an appointment!
