Utah’s Leading Otoplasty Surgeons
Do you struggle with prominent or misshapen ears that make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed? Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct a wide range of ear-related issues, from protruding ears to irregular ear shape or size, resulting in a more balanced, natural appearance that looks and feels great. Whether you're dealing with low self-esteem due to your ears or simply want to enhance your natural beauty, otoplasty offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution that can dramatically improve your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence.
OTOPLASTY BEFORE & AFTERS
What is Otoplasty?
The ear is a structure with intricate shapes and folds. Developmental deformities of the ear are common and may be the result of excess cartilage, improper folding, or a combination of the two. The end result is a prominence of the ear that can be a significant source of concern for children and adults alike. The concern may arise due to something as simple as a feeling of self-consciousness about prominent ears to something as serious as psychological issues from teasing or bullying. Correction of prominent ears is a safe and simple procedure that can restore confidence and allow the individual to lead a normal life.
Similarly, patients with ear lobe defects, either from trauma or previous piercings can have concerns related to the appearance of the ears. These concerns might lead to difficulty in obtaining employment or in social situations.
Otoplasty, or ear pinning, can be performed with or without incisions. Dr. Ward has expertise with both techniques and will choose the procedure that provides the patient with the best possible experience for otoplasty. Similarly, the exact procedure that might be necessary for ear lobe repair depends on the individual.
Who Is A Good Candidate To Have Otoplasty?
Anyone who doesn’t like the way their ears look is a good candidate for these surgeries with Dr. Ward. The reasons are varied. A child’s ears may protrude and this leads to teasing at school and issues with self-confidence. Adults who would wish their parents had scheduled this surgery when they were children can still have it for those same reasons. Also, torn or stretched earlobes are a typical need for otoplasty as today’s modern large-gauge and large hoop earrings can cause issues. Finally, congenital development issues can require surgery to address problems such as lop ear.
Otoplasty Procedure
Otoplasty, or ear pinning, can be performed with or without incisions. Dr. Ward has expertise with both techniques and will choose the procedure that provides the patient with the best possible experience for otoplasty. Similarly, the exact procedure that might be necessary for ear lobe repair depends on the individual.
Recovery Process
The patient’s head will be wrapped in special heavily padded cotton bandages, referred to as “fluff bandages,” after surgery. After a few days, these will be replaced with surgical dressings that need to be worn for the remainder of the first week. At that time, stitches will be removed. Due to the blood pressure in the area, there will be some throbbing for a couple of days, but that can be managed with pain medication. Patients need to avoid sleeping on the affected ear or ears for about two weeks. Children can return to school after about one week. Adults often won’t need an entire week, although this varies by the patient.
OTOPLASTY RESULTS
Correction of prominent ears is a safe and simple procedure that can restore confidence and allow the individual to lead a normal life.
TESTIMONIALS
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I’m so glad that I put my trust in Dr. Ward. His skill and sense of aesthetic are impeccable and the surgery has changed my life for the better! In addition, his staff is also incredible and hand-picked. They helped ease my nervousness and told me what to expect pre and post-op.
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I’m so glad that I put my trust in Dr. Ward. His skill and sense of aesthetic are impeccable and the surgery has changed my life for the better! In addition, his staff is also incredible and hand-picked. They helped ease my nervousness and told me what to expect pre and post-op.
Otoplasty FAQ
For children, it’s best to have ears pinned to remedy overly protruding ears before the child enters elementary school. Believe it or not, human ears are fully grown usually by age four. So, anytime after that birthday is appropriate.
Simple ear pinning surgery usually only takes about one hour. Surgery to repair torn earlobes is about the same. The more involved rebuilding of congenital ear problems requires more time, but each patient’s situation is unique. During your consultation, Dr. Ward can give you an idea of what will be involved with your surgery or your child’s.
For children, Dr. Ward usually opts to use general anesthesia. This alleviates problems with nervousness. We will give you instructions on eating and so forth for the night before your child’s surgery. As for adults, you’ll need to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications, any blood-thinning medications, and most supplements a few days before your procedure. That’s about it.
With ear pinning surgery, there is a small scar where the ear joins the head, but because this is located behind the ear it is basically invisible. In cases where earlobes need to be repaired, Dr. Ward’s surgical experience enables him to make the slightest scar possible, but there will likely still be a vertical scar. This will fade with time.
There are the same risks as with any surgery: bleeding, infection, poor incision healing, and the like. Otherwise, this is a very low-risk procedure. The satisfaction for the child (or adult) not having his or her ears protrudes far outweighs any possible risks involved.
Children can usually return to school after about one week. Adults may not need that much recovery time. This varies with the patient.
The Consultation
The otoplasty consultation is the chance for you and your surgeon to meet and get to know each other. This relationship is important for several reasons. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon to ensure that you are on the same page before surgery and that you will feel comfortable voicing any concerns or questions before and after the surgery.
Your surgeon will evaluate your ears and talk to you about your desired results. They will give you honest and realistic expectations and inform you of any potential risks involved. These risks can vary based on each individual person, so it is important to be honest and upfront during your consultation.
Follow up after surgery is important to ensure that you are healing properly and that you are happy with your results. If you are not happy, we want to know! It can take a few months before you are fully healed and see the final result, and we will monitor you carefully during this period to ensure proper healing.
