What is ear cosmetic surgery?
Ear cosmetic surgery, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the shape, size, or position of the ears to improve their appearance. It can address concerns such as prominent ears, ear asymmetry, or congenital deformities.
Who is a candidate for ear cosmetic surgery?
Candidates for ear cosmetic surgery are individuals who are bothered by the appearance of their ears and desire aesthetic improvement. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
What issues can ear cosmetic surgery correct?
Ear cosmetic surgery can correct various concerns, including:
Prominent ears (ears that stick out prominently from the head) Asymmetrical ears (unevenness in the size or shape of the ears) Large or misshapen earlobes
Congenital deformities, such as lop ear, cup ear, or shell ear
What does the ear cosmetic surgery procedure involve?
The procedure typically involves making incisions behind the ear to access the cartilage. The surgeon may then reshape the cartilage, reposition the ears closer to the head, or reduce their size. In some cases, excess skin may be removed. The incisions are carefully closed, leaving minimal scarring.
Is ear cosmetic surgery performed under anesthesia?
Yes, ear cosmetic surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s preference.
What is the recovery process like?
After the surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the ears, which typically subside within a few days to weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect their ears from trauma during the initial healing period. Most patients can return to work or school within a week or two.
Are there any risks or complications associated with ear cosmetic surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, ear cosmetic surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks, asymmetry, and changes in sensation. However, complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
When will I see the final results of ear cosmetic surgery?
While some initial improvement may be noticeable soon after the surgery, it may take several weeks for the swelling to fully resolve and the final results to become apparent. The ears will continue to refine in shape and appearance over time.
How long do the results of ear cosmetic surgery last?
The results of ear cosmetic surgery are generally permanent. Once the ears are reshaped or repositioned, they should maintain their new appearance indefinitely, barring any significant trauma or injury to the ears.
How can I schedule a consultation for ear cosmetic surgery?
If you’re considering ear cosmetic surgery, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in otoplasty. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure can be performed under local anesthetic, though on young children a general anesthetic is usually required. A small incision is mage
behind the ear, following the groove between the ear and the side of the head. If the earlobe is essentially large, this may also be reduced.
What are the risks and likely after-effects?
Any procedure carried out under general anasethetic carries a very small risk. In a small number of patients (approximately 3%) scars can become thick and red, and may require futher treatment. Infection is not common, but if it does occur can be treated effectively with antibiotics and regular dressing changes.
Sometimes the dressing can chafe the ears to produce a break in the skin, which can take a long time to heal. The ears are often numb after the operation, and this normally takes several weeks to settle.
What will happen after the operation?
<strong>Post-Op</strong>
Yoursurgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and will discharge you providing you are fit to return home. You will be given medication and full post-operative instructions along with appropriate telephone numbers in case you need to contact us at any time.
<strong>Week 1 – 2</strong>
You will see the nurse after 7-10 days so that she can check your progress and remove your dressing and stitches. After this, you can wash your hair
normally. We recommend that a protective headband is worn when sleeping to avoid the ears being bent forward against the pillow.
<strong>Weeks 8 – 10</strong>
Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks after the procedure for a full post-operative consultation.
Full post-operative cover
We’re confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full three years after you procedure. It’s our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Linia.
Period of reflection
Cosmetic surgery is a purely elective procedure and careful consideration should be given to both the potential benefits and the risks, before making a decision to proceed. Linia recommends that, following consultation with your surgeon, you allow a period of at least fourteen days before making a
decision.
