Otoplasty in South Bay, CA
People with ears that stick out, ears that are too big, too small, or ears misshapen from birth or trauma often suffer from issues with self-esteem or teasing due to the appearance of their ears. Many patients just want ears that aren’t too noticeable and don’t detract from their faces. Fortunately, otoplasty offers a permanent solution that improves the appearance of the ears and restores a patient’s self-confidence.
What Is Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic surgery designed to reshape the ears. Setback otoplasty, also called “ear pinning,” is the surgical setback of outstanding, protruding, prominent, or bat ears. Setback otoplasty is the most common form of cosmetic ear surgery.
Although bringing protruding ears closer to the head is often the goal of otoplasty, many aesthetic improvements to the ears can be achieved with this cartilage-reshaping surgery.
Benefits of Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Many benefits accompany otoplasty surgery, including:
- More symmetrical ears
- No more prominent or protruding ears
- Improvement of ear deformities
- Increased confidence
Nowadays, this surgery may be avoided by taping and moulding the child’s ears in infancy. Unfortunately, after six months of age, ear tape treatment is ineffective. Indeed, many children, teens, and even adults still suffer from prominent ears and would like them “corrected.”
Outstanding ears constitute an aesthetic deformity that can produce severe psychological stress on the sufferer. Children are sometimes mercilessly teased at school, and adults often acquire nicknames they would prefer to do without. Otoplasty allows children and adults alike to feel more confident and free from distress about the appearance of their ears.
Before and After
[Insert Before and After Photos or link to Otoplasty Before and After Gallery]Who Is a Candidate for Otoplasty?
People with ears that are misshapen, asymmetrical, missing cartilage, oversized, or protruding may be candidates for otoplasty. People who have endured trauma to their ears can also benefit. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your ears or feel they detract from your face, this surgery may be a solution.
Good candidates for otoplasty should be non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations for surgery.
Children
Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that children can undergo. Ear surgery can be performed on any individual so long as they have fully developed ears. This means many children must wait until they are about five to six years old for their ears to mature enough for surgery. At this age, ears are 80% of their adult size. This is also the age when they start school and teasing begins.
To learn if you or your child would make a good candidate for otoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd today by calling (310) 597-4734.
How Is Otoplasty Surgery Performed?
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general or local anesthetic. For children, general anesthesia is usually the typical choice.
The techniques used will be tailored to the patient’s anatomy. Generally, an incision is placed in the groove behind the ear, and two issues are addressed: excess cartilage in the bowl (concha) of the ear, and the lack of a fold behind it (lack of an antihelical fold).
Types of Otoplasty
- Ear pinning is a common type of otoplasty, where cartilage is reshaped in order to restore the antihelical fold, and sutures to the conchal bowl help hold the ear in a new position closer to the head.
- Ear reduction involves the removal of tissue from the ears to make the ears smaller in people with oversized ears (macrotia).
- Ear augmentation usually involves tissue or cartilage grafting to increase the size of the ears in people with small or underdeveloped ears (microtia).
Why Choose Dr. Boyd for Setback Otoplasty?
Dr. Brian Boyd is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He is Professor of Surgery at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Boyd employs his robust experience and the latest techniques to provide the best results for his patients. He and his staff are dedicated to ensuring patients have a safe, positive, and comfortable experience. Many of Dr. Boyd’s previous and returning patients have shared their testimonials so prospective patients can see what it’s like to experience care from him and his team.
Ear Surgery FAQ
How long is recovery?
Patients wear bandages for a week after surgery. After bandages are removed, a tennis headband is worn for four to six weeks at night to protect the ears and hold them in place as they heal.
How old do you have to be?
Teenagers and adults may be candidates for otoplasty. In children, the ears must be fully developed. Often, school-aged children are eligible around ages five to six.
Is otoplasty covered by insurance?
Cosmetic surgery is elective and, therefore, not typically covered by health insurance. In the case of medically necessary surgery, such as functional impairment or pain, insurance might cover the procedure.
When can I expect results?
You can expect to see dramatic improvements in the ears as soon as the bandages come off. Minor improvements continue to be noticeable as time passes. Most swelling should resolve within three months, and permanent results should then be visible.
Does otoplasty cause scars?
Otoplasty incisions do leave small scars behind the ears. However, these scars are unnoticeable and fade with time.
Is otoplasty permanent?
The size, shape, or projection of the ears may change slightly over time. However, the results of otoplasty are, effectively, permanent.
Want to Learn More About Ear Surgery in South Bay?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps adults and children to feel more comfortable and confident. If you’d like to discuss your or your child’s options with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, we’re happy to help. We invite you to call (310) 597-4734 or complete our online contact form for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd.