OTOPLASTY – EAR PINNING

Otoplasty before and after photos

Prominent or protruding ears do not look natural on adults or children &
Abnormally - protruding ears often make a child, the object of cruel-peer comments. .  Otoplasty can reshape not only the ears – but the self-image as well…

Ideally positioned ears are close to the side of the head.  Children with “Dumbo ears” begin to recognize the difference between their ears and their peers’ ears as early as three to four years of age.  Damaging, caustic remarks, made by childhood peers, begin to leave psychological scars in a child as young as six years old.  Adults - who have lived with prominent ears - may also silently suffer with great sensitivity over their appearance and display it through a poor self-image.  Promin Auris   (outstanding ears) - is an inherited condition that affects about 5% of Caucasian children. Regardless of the age -young or old – the unwelcome attention that comes from unnatural looking ears can be and is damaging.

Dr. White is skilled in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries/procedures of every kind. He uses today’s most advanced – but reliable – techniques, and as a specially trained surgeon – his skill and experience achieve natural looking results – using the right treatment plan - for your specific needs.

How You Could Benefit From Otoplasty

• Otoplasty surgery repositions the ears closer to the head
• Otoplasty is one of today’s safe, more advanced procedures
• Otoplasty requires very little downtime & short recovery period
• Otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia for young children
• Local anesthesia is used for older children and adults
• Otoplasty can correct trauma/injury related ear abnormalities
• Otoplasty reshapes the ears & the self-esteem

Classroom teasing can be avoided by having Otoplasty surgery before age seven.

A Good Candidate:
Any child of age 6 with protruding ears and adults of any age who desire correction may be ideal candidates for ear correction surgery.  A child who has reached six years of age has achieved 90% of its adults’ ear size making Otoplasty surgery possible. Dr. White is also specialized in performing other corrective surgeries of the ear – such as those caused by traumatic injuries and congenital deformities. 

Your Consultation:
Dr. White believes the first consult is critical to both you and him.  It is during this time that you both achieve a mutual understanding, trust and respect. The information you provide is essential to tailoring the right treatment plan and realistic goals. Dr. White will listen carefully and sensitively before developing your surgery/treatment plan.

OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE:
After administering IV sedation and local anesthetic if needed, an incision is made behind the ear exposing the ear cartilage.  Dr. White works through this incision to reshape the cartilage – repositioning the ear. Sutures are used to maintain the new contour and position of the ear. A turban type bandage is wrapped around the head and will remain in place for a few days.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER OTOPLASTY SURGERY:
Dr. White’s patients are usually up and about within a few hours post-surgery. Discomfort is minimal. Stitches will be removed or will dissolve in about a week. Most children are able to get back to a normal schedule within one week and adults can drive and return to work within a few days.  Everyone is different –but these are typical time frames.  Rigorous activity and exercise – contact sports and any activity that would risk injuring the ears until healing is well progressed  - usually from 1-2 months.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can People Of All Ages Have Otoplasty Surgery?
Yes – if needed.  However, it is better for a child to be age six or seven before having ear correction surgery.  This allows the ears to reach 90% of their adult growth.  Adults of any age can have Otoplasty surgery if they are in good health and have realistic expectations.

How Long Does Otoplasty Surgery Take?
Otoplasty surgery usually takes from two to three hours. This varies from patient to patient – depending upon the extensiveness of the surgery and the techniques used.

Is Otoplasty Surgery Painful?
Some discomfort is normal.  Aching and throbbing are typically what patients experience for the first few days.  This is easily managed with oral pain medication.

Will Insurance Cover Otoplasty Surgery?
Insurance should cover Otoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary.  Be sure to check with your insurance carrier about this.  Financing is available today for cosmetic procedures and you may ask about it in our business office.

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Choosing A Facial Plastic Surgeon:
Choosing a surgeon is serious business and should require certain factors in order for you to trust and place your confidence in this surgeon; is he qualified to perform the procedure you need/want safely and effectively, does he have excellent training, a proven track record, and is he specialized in the areas of concern?  Dr. White is in a special league of surgeons who have been trained in Ivy league schools and who have many extra years of training and experience through “fellowships” – which involve extra years of rigorous training/experience.  He is specialized in procedures of the head and neck – and he teaches other surgeons – the life-changing techniques that he uses for his own patients.

Dr. Matthew White is a cosmetic & reconstructive facial plastic surgeon –you can trust him to use safe, effective, proven – minimally invasive techniques – to achieve the outcomes you want & deserve.