Prominent ears can often be a source of self-consciousness. Otoplasty procedures, sometimes referred to as ear pinning, is a surgical procedure designed to address protruding ears. During otoplasty surgery, the ear shape or position can be modified. The size of the ears can also be altered if that is an issue.
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THE PROCEDURE
Removal of the cartilage that pushes the ear out from the head doesn’t result in any ear reshaping but rather just the position of it. When the shape of the cartilage requires alteration then various surgical techniques can be employed to achieve a specific goal. The most common shape-changing maneuver utilizes sutures to bend the cartilage and create a more developed anti-helical fold. Sometimes the lobule (lobe) must also be brought in or reduced in size.
OTOPLASTY FOR CHILDREN
Otoplasty is commonly performed on children. Patients must be at least 5 years old, at which point the ears have fully developed. Performing facial plastic surgery prior to starting school can benefit children with prominent ears by eliminating the source of teasing from others. Another benefit at this age is that the cartilage is more pliable and easier to work with. Many adults also elect to have cosmetic procedures later on in life in combination with facelifts when their large ears become more noticeable.
DR. FRANKEL’S NOTES
“I enjoy performing Otoplasty because it’s variable depending on the patient’s ears and anatomy and very rewarding for the patients. It is not necessarily simple to obtain a natural looking outcome in every otoplasty Beverly Hills patient, and careful planning and attention to detail are most important.
The usual course of ear surgery involves some pain for 1-2 days and associated swelling of the skin around the ear with some red or bluish discoloration that subsides within a week. Patients can usually return to their social life within days of the facial plastic surgery but we advise them to wear a headband at night for the first three weeks.”
– Andrew Frankel, M.D.
OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE FAQs
What otoplasty office is near me?
If you live near Beverly Hills, CA, DR. Andrew Frankel, offers otoplasty among its services and is conveniently located at 201 S Lasky Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Before and after
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
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Preparation & Expectations
Preparation
If your otoplasty surgery is being performed under local anesthesia then lab work and a letter of medical clearance might be required. If the operation is being performed without an anesthesiologist, then no blood work or clearance is required.
Certain medications and substances that can cause excess bleeding during or after facial plastic surgery will need to be avoided beginning a few weeks to a few days prior to your otoplasty surgery. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol as well as salty foods. Patients will also need to cease smoking prior to surgery.
Length of surgery
Depending on the extent of the cosmetic surgery, otoplasty procedures typically ranges from one to two hours.
Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Frankel will give you an estimate during your consultation.
Recovery time
Recovery following otoplasty surgery may involve some pain, which typically passes after one to two days. The full length of recovery is usually seven to ten days. However, patients must obey some restrictions in order to protect the ears from trauma for several weeks.
After care
We may prescribe pain medication. There will be some swelling around the ear reshaping area, which may involve discolorations in the skin of a red or bluish hue. This usually subsides within a week. We will remove the sutures after seven days.
A headband will need to be worn at night for the first three weeks.
Find out more about the surgical process and how to prepare for surgery.