Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Austin, TX

 

 
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Before & Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery offer otoplasty solutions for people in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Prominent or misshapen ears can be a psychologically challenging experience for the young adult and child, often drawing ridicule from peers. The prominent ear may take several forms, but both result from misshapen cartilage during intrauterine growth. After careful consideration, a surgical procedure known commonly as otoplasty may be used to re-shape the ear cartilage, creating a more natural-looking ear configuration.

When prominent or misshapen ears are addressed prior to the individual’s development of self-identification and the peer involvement a child experiences during the elementary years, otoplasty for children is the best choice. When corrected during this timeframe, most children forget the experience altogether. Moreover, they never encounter any unfavorable social interactions due to their prominent or misshapen ears.

Our surgeons recommend the potential patient schedule a private consultation at the Buckingham Center to determine if he or she is a viable candidate for an otoplasty procedure.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

The day after the otoplasty surgery (aka ear pinning surgery), the dressing placed around your head will be removed, and a new dressing will be applied. You should keep this in place for an additional 48 hours and remove as we instruct you to do so. A dissolvable type of suture has been placed behind the ears. This area will need to be cleaned two to three times per day with Q-Tips and hydrogen peroxide. After cleansing with hydrogen peroxide, the antibiotic ointment should be applied with a Q-Tip for the first week.

The light elastic headband should be worn postoperatively after the dressing has been removed, for 6 weeks in the evening hours and at night. This is a preventative measure, so the ears are not disturbed or traumatized while sleeping. It also aids in assisting the healing process to occur where the ears are positioned. It is critical to your well-being that you follow all the instructions given to you by this office. We will check your progress regularly following surgery.

Frequently Asked Otoplasty Questions

WHAT IS EAR SURGERY?

Otoplasty potential candidates for ear surgery are over the age of four and are in good physical health with realistic expectations for the improvement of large or protruding ears. A private consultation with one of our surgeons is the best way to determine if otoplasty is right for you.

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR EAR SURGERY?

Ear surgery is primarily performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14, though otoplasty for adults can be performed later with no problems.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION FOR EAR SURGERY?

The surgeon asks what you would like to accomplish with an otoplasty. In addition, please inform the doctor about medical issues, including allergies to latex and medications. In addition, please provide information about previous surgical procedures.

WHERE IS THE EAR SURGERY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Our patients’ otoplasty procedures are frequently performed at an outpatient surgical center.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR EAR SURGERY?

The different types of anesthesia that are used during ear surgery often vary by age. General anesthesia is typically used for younger children, while older children or adults may receive general or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.

HOW IS THE OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

For the otoplasty procedure, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This is then reshaped and moved closer to the head in order to achieve the desired result. Sutures may be used to reshape the ear or hold the ear in place.

HOW LONG DOES EAR SURGERY TAKE?

A typical ear surgery procedure takes about an hour and a half. However, the exact time will depend on each individual case.

WHERE ARE THE INCISIONS MADE FOR EAR SURGERY?

Buckingham Center’s surgeons typically confine the incisions for ear surgery to the back of the ear.

ARE THERE SCARS AFTER EAR SURGERY?

Placement behind the ear ensures the scar remains well concealed. Furthermore, as time passes, the resulting scars tend to fade.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER OTOPLASTY?

After ear surgery, your ears may be bandaged. For the first few days following surgery, patients should expect to experience some discomfort, throbbing or aching of the ears. Nonetheless, these symptoms can be alleviated with prescription medication. The bandages are usually removed after a few days and replaced with a lighter headband-like dressing. Some swelling, redness and numbness can also occur.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER MY OTOPLASTY SURGERY?

Work or school can typically be resumed within 5 to 7 days of the otoplasty procedure.

WHEN CAN I EXERCISE AFTER THE EAR SURGERY PROCEDURE?

After ear surgery, vigorous exercise should be postponed for about 3 weeks. In addition, any activities that may involve hitting or bending of the ear should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

WOULD THE SURGERY FOR BOTH OF MY EARS MAKE THEM APPEAR UNIFORM?

It depends on what your correctly formed ear looks like. If the ear’s measurements fall within the typical range, then surgery only needs to be performed on the ear that protrudes. However, if both ears protrude, it is often best to address the differences in both ears.

WHAT TYPE OF EAR SURGERY IS USED TO CORRECT UNEVEN EARS?

There are different deformities in the ears that can be referred to as uneven. If the ear protrusion is asymmetrical, then an otoplasty can be used to make the ears appear more even. If one ear is truly lower than the other is, and the earlobe is attached, there is no way to correct the asymmetry.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A REVISION OTOPLASTY?

Otoplasty procedures are very reliable. However, there are times when a patient is unhappy with his or her result. At the Buckingham Center, unhappy patients are a rarity. Nonetheless, our surgeons can perform a revision otoplasty for individuals who had their initial ear surgery at another facility.

WILL OTOPLASTY AFFECT MY HEARING?

No, an otoplasty will not affect your hearing, positively or negatively.

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