What is Ear Surgery?
When ears are misshapen, disproportionate, too large, or protrude out too far, ear pinning (also called otoplasty) can be the viable solution to transform the ears’ appearance. The cosmetic surgeons of Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates offer ear pinning in Oklahoma City, OK, that can remove and manipulate cartilage as needed to reshape and reposition the ears. Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin can also perform torn earlobe repair for earlobes that are torn or stretched due to trauma or wearing heavy earrings. After any type of ear surgery, the ears will look normal, alleviating any feelings of self-consciousness for both children and adults. Contact our Oklahoma City to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.
What are the benefits?
Otoplasty procedures at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates offer our patients of all ages a number of cosmetic and functional benefits, including:
- Balancing of ear size and shape
- Restoring symmetry to the face and profile
- Repositioning of ears that protrude noticeably from head
- Correct concerns present from birth or trauma
Otoplasty Reviews
Am I A Candidate For Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or surgical ear correction, can be done on patients at any age; however, it is extremely common for young children and is suggested prior to reaching elementary school. By six years of age, this operative procedure is safe and effective to be completed on a child. If you feel embarrassed about the appearance of your ears because they stick out or are too large, otoplasty may be the ideal surgery to attain a more natural-looking, aesthetically-appealing appearance. If you have a torn or damaged earlobe, you are also a candidate for otoplasty.
How does Ear Surgery Work?
In the cases of protruding ears, the cartilage is reformed and sometimes supported by splints. Soft tissues may also be trimmed away. The incisions are made behind the ear to reveal the ear’s confines. The ears will be repositioned by tightening the skin and then sutured. In cases of hidden ears, when cartilage is not fully developed, manipulations may include reshaping the cartilage by pulling or repositioning while splints are placed as supports. Sometimes, tissue grafting is also necessary to render volume.
What is Earlobe Repair?
Torn earlobe repair in Oklahoma City, OK at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates can help restore the natural look of your earlobes. Torn earlobes can occur with heavy earrings or through a traumatic injury. The surgical repair of a torn earlobe is generally straightforward. The skin cleft between the two sides of the tear is removed, and using either a skin graft or donated cartilage — a new lobe is reconstructed. Sutures are used that are placed in both the front and back of the ear and will remain intact for several weeks. Several postoperative visits may be required — so that the sutures can be removed in several phases to ensure the lobe is strong and aesthetically appealing.
Otoplasty Video
What Can I Expect During/After Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty is performed with general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It takes 1 – 2 hours to complete, and the patient will be sent home for recovery. The ear will be bandaged to keep the new position and shape in place. This also helps so that children cannot touch or play with their ears, which may complicate healing. Activities must be limited, especially within the first week. Scars will remain hidden behind the ears or within the natural folds if the incisions are made in front of the ear.
What are the Expected Costs of Ear surgery?
Otoplasty, performed on both ears, will start at $4,170.
**Fee's that are posted are subject to change. No doctor/patient relationship is established until an exam. Consent in perpetuity until canceled in writing.
Ear Surgery FAQ
How long do results from ear surgery last?
The ears typically mature faster than any other part of the body, therefore at an appropriate age and time when surgical adjustments are made, the results are generally long-lasting. Even as the body changes due to age and gravity, the changes to the ear will be minimal, and a secondary otoplasty is usually not needed.
How do I know when I should have otoplasty?
On average, children from 5 – 6 years old are ideal candidates for otoplasty since the ear will be already developed, and the cartilage and tissues will still be soft, making it easy to reshape. This age is also recommended as it is a time before any schooling, which helps avoid teasing.
Should one or both ears be treated?
Usually, the condition is symmetrical to both ears. The final shape that the surgery will aim for will depend on the initial structure of the ear and how the cartilage is placed. If the procedure is only for one ear, the shape will be patterned after the normally formed ear.
Reshape Your Ears
While the ears are small, an unusual size, shape, or position can make a significant difference in your appearance. Otoplasty, or ear correction, may help your child avoid getting teased at school or help you if you feel uncomfortable about your ears. Call Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City, OK, to schedule a consultation and get more information about surgical ear pinning and torn earlobe repair. We look forward to helping you gain a look you can love as well as the confidence to flaunt it.
