OTOPLASTY (ear reshaping)
Otoplasty Before and After Photos
Abnormally protruding ears (Dumbo Ears) can make a child of any age the object of cruel comments by their peers. Otoplasty reshapes the ears –and boosts self-image.
Ideally ears are positioned close to the side of the head. Children with fly away ears often called “Dumbo ears” easily begin to see the difference, between their ears and other childrens’ ears, as young as three to four years old. More often than not-hurtful remarks made by peers begin to scar children psychologically - as young as six years old. Adults who have lived with prominent ears may also be sensitive about their appearance and display it through poor self-image. Promin Auris (outstanding ears) - is an inherited condition that affects about 5% of Caucasian children today. Dr. Davison recommends and performs Otoplasty – Ear Reshaping – Surgery on children ages six and older – as well as adults of any age who are in otherwise good health and desire to have their ears corrected.
BENEFITS OF OTOPLASTY SURGERY
- Otoplasty surgery repositions the ears closer to the head
- Otoplasty is a safe, simple & commonly performed procedure
- Otoplasty involves very little down time & a short recovery
- Otoplasty surgery is performed in an out-patient surgery facility
- Otoplasty surgery can correct ear abnormalities from trauma & injuries
- Otoplasty –if performed before age 7 – enables children to avoid teasing
- Otoplasty can correct traumatic injuries & congenital deformities of the ear
- Otoplasty not only reshapes ears but also - self-esteem
Any child or adult who has protruding ears may be a good candidate for ear correction surgery. It is best if a child has reached six years of age, because the ear has achieved 90% of its adults’ size. An adult of any age, who is in good health, and has the desire to correct protruding ears, is usually a good candidate. Dr. Davison will determine this during your initial consultation with him.
Your surgeon should invest the time to sit down and talk with you face-to-face during your consultation. Dr. Davison always listens carefully to each of his patients – every time.
The initial consultation with your surgeon is critical! It should always be face to face with your surgeon during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison believes this time spent with you is critical to both you and to him. It is during the consultation that he comes to fully understand your concerns, evaluates them correctly and is then able to make the recommendations and develop the surgery/treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison invests the time – to sit down and talk with you face-to-face.
QUESTIONS OUR PATIENTS ASK:
What is Otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty – also called ear correction surgery – is a surgical procedure Dr. Davison performs to minimize the appearance of protruding ears. This involves repositioning them closer to the head - in a more natural position.
Do Adults Have Otoplasty Surgery The Same As Children?
Yes – Otoplasty Surgery is very common among adults and can be performed at any age as long as health is not an issue. Children should be age six or seven before having ear correction surgery. This allows the ears to reach 90% of their adult growth
Where Is Otoplasty Surgery Performed?
Dr. Davison performs his surgeries in a state-of-the-art, accredited, out-patient surgery center which is fully equipped with the most advanced technologies available today.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
For a small child he normally uses general anesthesia. For older children and adults he uses local anesthesia combined with sedation.
How Long Will The Surgery Take?
Typically – it takes from two to three hours to perform ear correction surgery. This varies from patient to patient – depending upon the extensiveness of the surgery and the techniques involved.
Are The Incisions Conspicuous?
No – Dr. Davison will make these well hidden behind your ears.
Is Otoplasty a Painful Surgery?
Some discomfort is normal. Aching and throbbing are typically what Dr. Davison’s patients experience for the first few days. Any discomfort you experience will be easily managed with oral pain medication.
What Is Recovery Like?
There is actually very little downtime and minimal discomfort with Otoplasty surgery. Most of Dr. Davison’s patients are up and about within a few hours after surgery. Your head will be wrapped in a gauze bandage for a few days to protect your surgery, and you may need to sleep with your head elevated.
When Are The Stitches Removed?
Your stitches will be removed or will dissolve in about a week.
How Much Time is Required Away From Work or School?
Most children are able to get back to a normal schedule in about a week. Adults are able to drive and return to work within a few days. Everyone is different –but these are typical time frames.
What About Exercise & Sports?
Dr. Davison requires his patients avoid strenuous/rigorous exercise, contact sports and any activity that would risk injuring the ears until healing is well progressed – usually1-2 months.
Will Insurance Pay for Otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty surgery is a cosmetic surgery that is usually not covered by insurance. However, if it is performed for medical purposes it may be covered. Check with your insurance company about this.
What Happens if Only One Ear is Protruding?
Both ears may need to be corrected in order to achieve the desired balance and a natural appearance. |
