Who is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Ideal candidates for ear plastic surgery are patients who are dissatisfied with the shape of their ears, generally healthy, and above five years old. You may also be a good candidate for otoplasty surgery if you have the following:
- If you have overly large or small ears
- If your ears are disproportionate to your head
- If your ears protrude or stick out prominently from your head
- If you have an abnormal ear shape due to injury, trauma, or a structural issue from birth
- If you have ear cartilage stable enough for correction
What to Expect at an Otoplasty Consultation
During your consultation, I will talk to you about your medical history and go over your surgical goals for the procedure. I will examine the shape, size, and placement of your ears and take measurements or pictures. My staff and I will also go over any associated risks, outcomes, and potential costs of the surgery.
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How to Prepare for Otoplasty Surgery
I recommend the following instructions to prepare for your otoplasty surgery:
- Avoid taking herbal supplements for three weeks
- Avoid taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medication for three weeks
- Quit smoking six weeks prior to the procedure to improve healing
- Arrange for someone else to drive you before and after your procedure
- Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night following surgery
What Happens During Ear Pinning Surgery?
During ear pinning surgery, I make an incision either behind your ear or inside its folds. I generally make an incision on the back of the ear to correct protrusion or to reduce enlarged cartilage. I manipulate the ear tissue by removing, folding, and shaping the cartilage with sutures or grafting the cartilage from the back of the ear to the front. I use external stitches to close the incisions, restoring a natural shape to your ears.
Otoplasty Recovery Time
Following your procedure, I will have dressings wrapped around your ears. It is important that you keep this dressing in place until I tell you to remove them. These bandages help support and shape the new structures of your ear and should not be taken off early.
During the recovery process, I generally recommend that you avoid prolonged sunlight exposure, excessive force, or rubbing or scratching the ear area. I will also give you specific post-operative instructions to follow, including:
- How to take care of your ears following surgery
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
- When to return to normal activities
- When to take your dressings off
- When to make up a follow-up appointment
Request Your Consultation with Dr. Spiro today!
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