Otoplasty (ear surgery) is a uniquely common and safe procedure for children to undergo since ears are made of cartilage that does not grow.
In many cases, parents opt to avoid having their children undergo surgery, leaving you to make the decision as an adult to perform any cosmetic corrections to your ears.
Do you have ears that protrude out from your head? Were you teased about the appearance of your ears? Do you still feel self-conscious about how your ears look? It is understandable that you may hesitate; after all, you’ve lived your entire life without correcting them, but undergoing an otoplasty with Dr. Hochstein can provide you with more proportionate ears, a more balanced facial structure, and self-confidence in your appearance.
Procedure
Otoplasty differs with every patient because each set of ears have different appearances, but every surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. Dr. Hochstein will make an incision behind your ear and manipulate the cartilage in your ears to create natural folds. He reshapes and removes a minor amount of tissue as he finds it necessary.
Once Dr. Hochstein reshapes the ears, he will ensure that both ears are balanced. He also checks that they are in correct proportion to each other and the rest of the head. If necessary, he redrapes the skin over the new ear form and removes any excess skin. Only then, after finding the perfect shape, will he close your incisions.
Recovery and Results
Fluid collection can be common, so you will be required to wear a gentle pressure dressing on your ears for two to three days to minimize the swelling and fluid collection. It also aids in keeping the ears in position while your incisions heal. Resting immediately after the procedure is necessary in order to promote healing. You can resume your normal daily routine after a few days but should avoid strenuous activities until cleared by Dr. Hochstein. By following the doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully, you can ensure that you will have the best possible results.
Your results will be immediately noticeable, though your ears may appear swollen and bruised. This is typical and will subside after a few days. You will notice that your ears are more proportional, have a more natural shape, and are balanced with the rest of your facial features.
To find out more about how you might benefit from an otoplasty, please contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Hochstein. Our office can be reached at (305) 931-3338.