Ear surgery Procedure
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, can significantly improve the appearance and confidence of both children and adults. Otoplasty is performed to address protruding ears, overly large or small ears, and even earlobe abnormalities.
ear surgery in Reno, Nevada
Benefits of an otoplasty include enhancing your appearance for a more balanced facial appearance, and to correct protruding ears. Ear pinning is the procedure that sculpts and repositions protruding ear cartilage for a balanced look. This is suitable for both children and adults.
Otoplasty offers a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your ears, leading to a change in your appearance and a boost in your confidence.
Ideal Ear Surgery Candidates
Otoplasty can be a transformative procedure for both children and adults. If you have protruding, misaligned, large, small, or otherwise bothersome ears, otoplasty can create a more balanced and natural appearance.
This procedure can even be performed on children as young as five. If you are younger, this procedure will occur in a surgical center. For older patients, it can be done in office.
If your ears are a source of anxiety or negatively impact your self-esteem, otoplasty can offer a long-term solution. Book a consultation with Dr. Virden to discuss your concerns and explore if otoplasty is the procedure for you.
What To Expect from Otoplasty Surgery
This outpatient procedure typically uses local anesthesia for comfort while your doctor makes small, strategically placed incisions behind your ears to minimize scarring. The underlying cartilage is then carefully sculpted and repositioned to achieve your desired outcome. (This might involve techniques like weakening or bending the cartilage for pinning back protruding ears, or removing or adding cartilage for size adjustments.)
Excess skin may be removed in some cases to create a more refined appearance and dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions.
Depending on the complexity of your case, the procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
Following surgery, your doctor will provide detailed instructions specific to your case. Expect your ears to be dressed with supportive bandages for 2 days (5 days if you’re a child). Some tenderness and swelling are common.
Otoplasty FAQs
What Is the Best Age for Otoplasty?
There is no “best age” for cosmetic ear surgery. You should consult your doctor if you are considering this procedure.
Does Otoplasty Last Forever?
Otoplasty results are designed to be permanent. The cartilage sculpted during surgery is a strong tissue that holds its new shape well over time. However, natural aging can cause slight changes like decreased skin elasticity, and in rare cases, excessive scar tissue might require revision.
Can Ears Stick out Again After Otoplasty?
While otoplasty reshapes your cartilage permanently, minor changes can occur. Natural aging might cause subtle decreases in skin elasticity, potentially making the ears appear slightly less positioned than right after surgery. Overall, the risk of your ears sticking out again is extremely low.
Is Cosmetic Ear Surgery Painful?
You’ll likely experience some post-operative soreness and tightness. The focus during your recovery is on minimizing any discomfort you feel through medication, swelling reduction techniques, and proper rest.
Are You Awake During Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia for older patients. This means the area around your ears will be numb, but you’ll be relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. You might feel some minor tugging or pulling, but won’t experience pain. If you are a younger patient, you’ll be sedated and your doctor will discuss options with you and your legal guardian.
Transform your ears today
Anxiety about your ears as an adult or harassing and bullying at school by classmates for children can have profound effects on self-esteem and self-image. However, ear surgery can vastly improve a patient’s appearance and confidence. To learn more about transforming your or your child’s ears, give us a call today to schedule a consultation.