Otoplasty is a procedure designed to pin back the ears closer to the head or reduce their size. This procedure can be performed on younger individuals to avoid being teased from others. This results in more natural-looking ears. The otoplasty procedure varies with every patient and their degree of ear deformity.
THE SURGERY
The operation usually takes about one and a half to two hours and is performed in an outpatient setting under general or local anesthesia with sedation. During the operation, an incision is made behind the ear to hide any obvious marks of surgical intervention. Multiple, strategically placed, sutures are placed to shape the cartilage into normal folds, which were missing pre-operatively. The cartilage is then re-shaped using techniques of scoring, suturing, limited removal or combinations of the three.
RECOVERY
To reduce the swelling or collection of fluid beneath the skin, you’ll have a dressing on your head to put gentle pressure on your ears and maintain their new position. After about two or three days the dressing will be removed. All of your incisions will be carefully closed with stitches. Some of the suture will dissolve while other sutures will require removal in 7 to 10 days. You’ll be able to wash your hair as soon as your head dressing is removed after surgery.
Most patients experience very little pain following their procedure. There will be slight discomfort or soreness— mostly when you bump or move your ears. This will be for about a week or two. You’ll notice some swelling in the ears for two to three weeks following surgery. Most bruising will resolve in the first week or two. During this time, you can cover your ears with your hair.
Costs
How much does otoplasty cost? The cost varies depending on the type of treatment you choose, the extent of the treatment, and other factors including anesthesia cost, cost of the surgical facility, and the cost of any medical tests and prescriptions you may need. Dr. Samson can give you an accurate cost estimate for your specific needs during a one-on-one consultation.
To get an idea of the results you can achieve with otoplasty view Dr. Samson’s ear pinning before and after photos.
If you are interested in these or other cosmetic surgeries in the Daytona Beach, FL area, schedule a consultation by calling 386-756-9400 or fill out our contact form.
