Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Encino & Beverly Hills | Sean Younai, MD Home » Facial Rejuvenation » Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Encino, Beverly Hills, Glendale and Bakersfield Adults and children alike are often unhappy with the appearance of their ears. If the size, shape, or protrusion of your ears is problematic for you, ear surgery could be the answer you are looking for. Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is used to permanently correct any issue you may have with your ears. These procedures are often also referred to as ear pinning or ear reduction surgery. Because they are cosmetic surgical procedures, however, they can only treat the appearance of the external ear. Otoplasty is performed using an incision in the back of the ear. Special sutures are then placed within the structure of the outer ear to pin it closer to the head. The cartilage may also be removed to reshape the ear if it is too large or comes to a point, or simply repositioned.

Ear surgery can also be used in cases of traumatic injury or excessive stretching with large-gauge earrings to reshape the ears into a more natural shape. Ear surgery is the most popular plastic surgery among children. In fact, it is often recommended that kids get this surgery as soon as possible. There are two reasons for this. First, ears reach adult size around age seven in most people, at which point they can be operated on safely. The other reason that most people choose to do this procedure as early as possible is to spare the child from the teasing that often comes with having big ears. Dr. Younai has performed countless ear surgeries and can make your ears aesthetically pleasing, no matter what your current issue is. Following surgery, your results should be immediately apparent. You will need to avoid strenuous or potentially dangerous activities during your recovery, and will be asked to sleep with your head elevated for a few days following surgery. You scars will be naturally concealed in the folds behind your ears, and the results are permanent. Contents 7 Risks & Complications Introduction Otoplasty, also known as Ear Pinning, Ear Pinback, or Ear Reduction Surgery, is the cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that permanently corrects protruding ears.

Otoplasty does so by positioning the ears closer to the head (Ear Pinning), reshaping them,reducing their size, and making them more symmetrical. Protruding Ear Deformity is the most prevalent congenital malformation of the head and neck area. Besides Protruding Ears, other External Ear deformities are also corrected by Otoplasty. These deformities include: Cup Ear or irregular development of the outer ears; Lop Ear or Bat Ear, where the edge of the ear’s exterior grows at a sharp and protruding angle; Cauliflower Ear, caused by crush injury to ear cartilage; "Spock’s Ear" with protruding sharp edge; Shell Ear, with missing folds and creases, as well as ears that are too large or too small. Otoplasty ranks as the most commonly performed plastic surgery Procedure on children between ages five and fourteen.

Ear Pinning is one cosmetic surgery where "earlier is better" because of the devastating blows to a child’s self-esteem, who is teased for having protruding ears; being called names such as "Dumbo," "Mickey Mouse" and "Rabbit Ears." The optimal time for performing otoplasty in children is just before they start school, or at about the age of seven. At this age the ears have grown to nearly their adult size and the child is old enough to be able to undergo surgery safely. It also gives children a chance to correct their facial deformity before starting to socialize with peers in school. Otoplasty has also been a blessing for thousands of adults who have spent their lives feeling self-conscious about their "big ears." They have hidden their ears with hairstyles, hats, and avoided wearing ear jewelry. With Otoplasty they have gained the freedom to wear their hair short or pulled back, wear earrings, and no longer feel embarrassed about their look. While Otoplasty aims to normalize the appearance of the ears it can never produce perfect and fully symmetrical ears. Therefore, parents who are considering Ear Pinning for their children, and adults who are considering the procedure, should have realistic expectations.

After all, no two ears are ever identical or perfectly symmetrical. Contraindications for Otoplasty include active ear infection. Children who need to undergo surgery on their ear drums, mastoids, or tonsils should delay having Otoplasty. Otoplasty is tailored by plastic surgeons according to the patient’s needs. Techniques include rearranging or sculpting existing ear cartilage; adjusting the position of the ear helix and lobe to that of the head; rearranging, excising or adding skin or cartilage grafts and flaps. Children having Otoplasty will undergo general anesthesia to assure that they will remain still for maximum safety. On the other hand, adults can undergo Ear Pinning with local anesthesia and sedation, if they have a calm nature. The Cosmetic plastic surgeon begins the surgery by making an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. He or she may employ Cartilage Cutting or Cartilage Sparing techniques. Cartilage Sparing, which repositions the cartilage via multiple suspension sutures rather than cutting, has the advantage of avoiding visible edges of cut cartilage, but is technically more challenging.

Following the repositioning of the cartilage, the plastic surgeon will address the protrusion of the ear lobes, remove excess skin and close the wound with sutures. Your Plastic Surgeon’s instructions for recovery will include wearing a special headband or bandage to hold the ears in place, avoid strenuous sports for a period of time, and to sleep with your head elevated for a few days. Following all instructions will be crucial to an optimal outcome. Before & After Photos Surgical Techniques Timing Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries commonly performed on children. It is a case where "earlier is better" because of the devastating psychological impact of peer ridicule. By age five or six, the "auricle," the visible, cartilaginous part of the ear, has nearly reached its adult-sized and can be safely corrected. (Only the ear lobes continue to elongate which gives the impression that the ears are still growing). While all surgery carries risk, Otoplasty is overwhelmingly safe and successful.

Having it done at a young age is desirable because the cartilage is still very pliable, giving the plastic surgeon more latitude for shaping, and because of the psychological benefit to the child who has the cosmetic improvement prior to starting his or her schooling. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s feelings before seriously considering Otoplasty. Parents should not insist on the surgery unless their child wants the change, so that he or she will be more cooperative during the process and be happy with the outcome. Ear pinning is also commonly performed in adults, many of whom have spent years self-consciously hiding their ears with hairstyles and hats. One challenge for older patients is that their cartilage is firmer than that of a child, and more difficult to mold. Methods Otoplasty, the reshaping and repositioning of the external ear, is done on an outpatient basis. Performed skillfully, Otoplasty makes the ears more proportional to the size and shape of the head, as well as pinning it back closer to the head. The procedure generally takes about two hours, or one hour per ear, depending upon the degree of correction that his needed.

Surgeries Rearranging or sculpting existing cartilage in the ear; Adjusting the position of ear helix or ear lobe to the position of the head. Rearranging, excising or adding skin; Adding cartilage through grafts from elsewhere in the body. Before the start of the Otoplasty procedure the patient is either put under sedation or general anesthesia. In young children General Anesthesia is a must, but with adults sedation is an option, as long as they are of calm nature. The ears are further anesthetized with local anesthetics and the ears and scalp are sterilized with antiseptic solution. Otoplasty begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joins the head. The actual techniques involved can be categorized as either Cartilage Splitting (Cutting), or Cartilage Sparing. Cartilage Cutting involves cutting or weakening of the antihelix, helix or cocha. At times a part of the cocha is removed in order to reduce its size, thus lessening the auricular prominence and protrusion. The primary disadvantage of this technique is that the edges of cut cartilage can be felt and even sometimes be visualized.

Cartilage Sparing, popularized by Dr. Mustarde, involves reshaping and repositioning the cartilage via multiple suspension sutures placed through the cartilage. The helix and anti-helix folds are created and the ears are literally pinned back! While this technique avoids the possibility of having visible edges of cut cartilage, it is technically more challenging. Next, the protrusion of the lobules is addressed. The projection and the size of the lobules can both be adjusted by removing excess skin and/or prominent cartilage. After reshaping and repositioning the ear cartilages, the excess skin folds behind the ears are removed and the wound closed with sutures. Special ear-protecting bandages are applied and the patient is then awakened from surgery. It is important to note that even if only one ear needs "pinning back," surgery will probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the most symmetrical and natural appearance. Otoplasty may also involve creating a fold in the upper ear in order to fix "shell ears" or "lop ears" in which the folds are not properly formed.

Candidates "Did you fly to school or take the bus?" Such cruel taunting is well known to the boys and girls who have the congenital deformity of protruding ears. Called "Dumbo," "Mickey Mouse", "rabbit ears," and any number of other epithets, children who have protruding or deformed ears suffer devastating blows to their self-esteem that can be corrected by Otoplasty. Surgery is the only treatment to adequately and permanently correct protruding ears. Otoplasty can position the ears closer to the head ("ear pinning"), reshape them, reduce their size, and make them more symmetrical. Otoplasty is most commonly performed on children between the ages of five to fourteen. It is one surgery where "earlier is better" in order to prevent the psychological problems that begin when children start their schooling and are subject to continual teasing. Also, ear cartilage is more malleable in a younger patient. Good Candidates Otoplasty is a blessing for thousands of adults who have often spent their lives feeling self-conscious about their appearance because of large protruding, deformed or highly asymmetrical ears.

They have always hid their large protruding ears under long hair, stayed away from wearing ear-rings, avoided wearing their hair up, and evaded wearing caps. Protruding ears are genetic, and are the most frequent congenital deformity of the head and neck area – affecting five percent of the general public. Protruding ear deformity affects both genders, and may be unilateral or bilateral. Nearly 60 percent of those affected have a family history of the condition. It is often typified by the failure of the outer rim of the ear to fold back toward the scalp during fetal development. However, there are also deformities caused by trauma (dog or animal bites), or habits of "ear pulling." Many toddlers pull on their ears during teething stages, and continue to do so even when they are no longer teething. Stretched earlobes can also be corrected by Otoplasty. Not Good Candidates “I always wished that I could wear diamond earrings, but was embarrassed by my big ears.

After Ear Pin back surgery, I often wear beautiful earrings with my hair up.” — Rachelle, age 40 Because no two ears on any person are identical or completely symmetrical, patients who are considering Otoplasty must realize that Otoplasty will not give them identical ears. Therefore, Otoplasty is contraindicated for those who have unrealistic expectations, as well as those who are not able to comply with the strict postoperative instructions detailed below. Patients who have previously formed Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring on their ears or other body parts must recognize that they can also have the same outcome with their Otoplasty surgery. Finally, children who have active ear infections or are to undergo surgery on their ear drums, mastoids, or tonsils should wait until after they have recovered from ear infection or the above-mentioned surgeries before undergoing Otoplasty. Ear Deformities "Cup Ear," where parts of the outer ear develop irregularly, causing the ear to protrude. "Lop Ear" or "Bat Ear", where the concha (or inner part of the external ear) grows at a right angle of the head instead of parallel to it. Large ear lobes.

"Cauliflower Ear," a deformity caused by injury and inflammation. Deformities of unusual ear shapes, folds and underdevelopment, "Stahl’s Ear Deformity" (satyr, Vulcan or "Spock’s" ear). Telephone ear deformity. Macrotia (ear too large). Microtia (ear too small). Shell Ear (curve of the outer rim as well as the folds and creases are missing). No body parts are perfectly symmetrical. Otoplasty will, however, give the patient’s face a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Since the inner ear develops independently, patients with prominent ears generally have normal hearing. Preparation “I’ll never forget the day that my son came home crying, with red ears. His classmates were pulling on his ears and teasing him. That was the day that I decided to take him to a plastic surgeon.” — Carol, mother of Jonathan Preparation for Otoplasty surgery varies depending on whether the patient is a child or adult. In general, children have to be older than seven years old to undergo otoplasty. Most doctors perform otoplasty for children in the hospital, unless the surgical center is specifically certified to handle children.

Children also need a thorough pre-operative evaluation and clearance by their pediatrician. Any person who weighs 100 lbs or more, regardless of age, is considered an adult. The following is the pre-operative instructions for adult patients. Pre-Operative Checklist Approximately one to two weeks before your surgery you will undergo a general pre-operative evaluation at our office, at which time you will also undergo blood testing and EKG if necessary. At that time you need to review with our staff all your medical conditions even though they might not appear to be of importance to you. The review of your eye and vision health is also crucial. We would like to know if you had previously undergone any eye or eyelid surgery, do you take any eye drops or medications for your eyes or vision, and do you suffer from dry eye. After reviewing the procedure and answering your questions we will give you written instructions of the medications, vitamins, or herbs to avoid for at least two weeks prior and after your surgery. These include over the counter medications or vitamins which might thin your blood and cause you to bleed excessively during and after surgery. If you smoke we encourage you to reduce your smoking for one week before and after surgery because this can hamper your healing process.

You will be provided with prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics, lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and nausea medications. Please have these ready in advance. Get your house in order so that after surgery you wouldn’t be bothered with doing demanding house chores. Have bags of frozen peas or cold compresses ready in your freezer for use after surgery. Have your bed area prepared with many pillows or cushions to be used for propping you up. Elevation of the head after surgery reduces swelling and pain. You need to get a soft headband to wear at nights after surgery. This will keep your ears protected during sleep for the next 3 weeks. Arrange for adequate support for the care of your children and pets for at least the first two to three days after surgery. Have someone reliable, preferably a family member or close friend bring you to surgery and from surgery. This person should be available to stay and assist you the night after surgery. If you don’t have such a person, please let us know in advance so that we can recommend several available after-care facilities or caretakers to you. Have loose and comfortable clothes and shoes available to wear the day of surgery. Also if you have dark sunglasses, they will help reduce the sun glare in your eyes after surgery.

You can not drink or eat anything except your medications for eight hours prior to surgery. Don’t drink any alcohol for one week prior and after your surgery. Do not wear any makeup, facial lotions, or perfume the day of surgery. Shower and shampoo the morning of surgery, remove all eyelid and eyebrow cosmetics, and don’t apply any hair gel or grease. Bring all your medications with you to surgery. Don’t wear jewelry, necklaces, wrist watches, hairpieces, false eyelashes, or contact lenses to surgery. Before surgery, Dr. Younai and/ or his staff will review with you pre and post operative instructions for Otoplasty, and will furnish you with a written copy of such instructions. Please make sure that you read them in advance. Also, please provide them to whomever who is going to take care of you afterwards. Recovery Dos & Don’ts Following surgery, the patient’s ears are held in place by a soft elastic bandage or headband which reduces swelling and protects the ears as they heal. The ears may feel painful and swollen for a few days, and your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. Also icing over bandages can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

You are prescribed antibiotics for several days. Patients should sleep with their heads elevated the first few nights after surgery in order to minimize swelling. You will be advised to not sleep on your side to avoid placing pressure on your ears. After two days, the dressings are removed, after which time you can take a full shower and wet the stitches. If removable, rather than dissolvable stitches are used, they are usually removed within seven to ten days following surgery. Once the dressings are removed, you should sleep with a head band which covers your ears and protects them from flopping forward during sleep. At this point you can sleep on a soft pillow in any ways that you choose. You can touch your ears gently and apply some Vaseline or vitamin-E ointment in order to help moisturize the skin and to reduce hypersensitivity. It is not unusual to feel that your ears are plugged or your sense of hearing is dampened, for several weeks. This is due to the swelling of the ear canal which subsides. Children can return to school one to two weeks following surgery. However, the ears will be delicate and need to be protected. The child should avoid physical contact sports for six weeks to avoid damage to the ear.

Adults can return to work in less than a week, but should also avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks. Both adults and children should wear the “tennis headbands” (no protective helmets) for six weeks during sleep, sports, or in situations when their ears might be hit or traumatized. Afterwards, there is no need for any restrictions. If you are planning to have your ears pierced, wait for three weeks. Refrain from sun tanning, or at least have your ears covered for four weeks. Finally, know that it takes approximately three to five months for the ears to settle, and for the swelling to resolve; so don’t judge them too early. Patients are advised to remember that the goal is improvement, not perfection. As is the case with "normal" ears, no two will ever match perfectly, just as no two body parts are perfectly symmetrical. Risks & Complications Following surgery, the patient’s ears are held in place by a soft elastic bandage or headband which reduces swelling and protects the ears as they heal. The ears may feel painful and swollen for a few days, and your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. Also icing over bandages can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

You are prescribed antibiotics for several days. Patients should sleep with their heads elevated the first few nights after surgery in order to minimize swelling. You will be advised to not sleep on your side to avoid placing pressure on your ears. After two days, the dressings are removed, after which time you can take a full shower and wet the stitches. If removable, rather than dissolvable stitches are used, they are usually removed within seven to ten days following surgery. Once the dressings are removed, you should sleep with a head band which covers your ears and protects them from flopping forward during sleep. At this point you can sleep on a soft pillow in any ways that you choose. You can touch your ears gently and apply some Vaseline or vitamin-E ointment in order to help moisturize the skin and to reduce hypersensitivity. It is not unusual to feel that your ears are plugged or your sense of hearing is dampened, for several weeks. This is due to the swelling of the ear canal which subsides. Children can return to school one to two weeks following surgery. However, the ears will be delicate and need to be protected. The child should avoid physical contact sports for six weeks to avoid damage to the ear.

Adults can return to work in less than a week, but should also avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks. Both adults and children should wear the “tennis headbands” (no protective helmets) for six weeks during sleep, sports, or in situations when their ears might be hit or traumatized. Afterwards, there is no need for any restrictions. If you are planning to have your ears pierced, wait for three weeks. Refrain from sun tanning, or at least have your ears covered for four weeks. Finally, know that it takes approximately three to five months for the ears to settle, and for the swelling to resolve; so don’t judge them too early. Patients are advised to remember that the goal is improvement, not perfection. As is the case with "normal" ears, no two will ever match perfectly, just as no two body parts are perfectly symmetrical. What is ear surgery? | Ear Surgery | American Society of Plastic Surgeons What is ear surgery? What is ear surgery? Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.

Otoplasty can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury. Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound beneﬁts to appearance and self-esteem. If protruding or disﬁgured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery. Specifically ear surgery can treat: Overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery Next: Ear surgery cost Ear Surgery Seattle | Allure Esthetic For patients with protruding or malformed ears, otoplasty has the potential to deliver life-changing benefits, including: Create more attractive ears by improving their shape, proportion and position Enhanced self-esteem Increase confidence of a child with misshapen ears A safe procedure with long-lasting results Is Otoplasty Right for You? If you're unhappy with the appearance of your ears for any reason, otoplasty may be able to help you achieve a more balanced look.

In general, you'll want to consider this procedure if: Your ears are too large or too small Your ears are oddly positioned Your ears protrude or stick out prominently You've sustained an injury that changed the appearance of your ears It's important to note that children's ear cartilage typically doesn't stabilize until around age five. Otoplasty completed before that time may be premature and revision surgery may be necessary later in the patient's life. Your Consultation with Dr. Sajan Your otoplasty consultation with Dr. Sajan will begin with a discussion about your expectations for surgery and desired outcomes. Once he's gained an understanding of what you're looking to accomplish, he will carefully evaluate the shape and position of your ears, as well as the condition and color of your skin and cartilage. Using that information, he will compose a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs.

From there, he'll review all of the pertinent information related to your procedure, including: The technical approach for your procedure, including the incisions and alterations he will make The cosmetic outcomes you can expect Your financial investment The potential risks or complications you need to be aware of Your anesthesia options What you can expect before, during and after surgery In most cases, otoplasty is performed on both ears for optimal symmetry. During your appointment, Dr. Sajan will use Canfield Mirror medical software imaging to create before and after pictures, allowing you to clearly visualize the likely outcome of your procedure. Your Otoplasty Procedure Your otoplasty will be performed in our state-licensed surgery center. Dr. Sajan and his team will take you through all the steps of pre-op preparation, surgery, and recovery. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You will be monitored at all times for your comfort and safety. You will be given either a general anesthesia (for a deeper sleep) or a combination of intravenous anesthesia and local anesthesia. Dr. Sajan will make incisions behind the ear or within the ear creases; scarring in those areas is minimal and often disappears with time.

He may remove excess cartilage and skin and/or sculpt existing cartilage. Once the cartilage is in its proper position, he will secure it with internal sutures and close the incisions with additional sutures. Otoplasty surgery typically takes about one hour per ear. Your Recovery Once your surgery is complete, your ears will be bandaged for their protection and support. It's important that your bandages remain in place until Dr. Sajan replaces them with a lighter dressing a few days later. During the initial recovery period, it's normal to experience swelling, redness and itchiness, though taking the pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Sajan will help to ease this discomfort. Dr. Sajan may also prescribe a loose headband to be worn over your ears at night for up to six weeks following surgery. Throughout the first week of recovery, you'll want to rest frequently. When possible, move around the house slowly to promote blood flow and optimal healing. You'll also want to keep your head elevated and avoid resting on your ears, as this can interrupt the recovery process and cause pain. After about seven days, you will return to Dr. Sajan's Seattle office. At that appointment, he will remove your stitches and evaluate your ears.

Most of our patients are able to return to work and resume their normal daily routine at that time. However, Dr. Sajan will provide you with personalized instructions based on your progress. Risks Associated with Otoplasty There are very few risks associated with ear surgery, making it an extremely safe procedure for adults and children alike. After healing, a thin scar will form behind the ear, but it will be hidden within your natural creases, and thus shouldn't affect your appearance in any way. In very rare cases, a blood clot or infection may develop as a result of ear surgery. With Dr. Sajan's due diligence and consideration for safety, these risks are significantly minimized. A New, Balanced Appearance When your reshaped ears are in balance with your facial features, you feel more confident about your overall appearance. Book a consultation with Dr. Sajan today and explore how otoplasty can restore a natural balance to your ears and face. Otoplasty Plastic Ear Surgery | NewImage.com How Otoplasty is Performed? Cosmetic ear surgery is most commonly performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14.

Unlike other body parts, the ears reach most of their full growth by age 4, so corrective or cosmetic surgery can be done that early. However, adults can choose to have otoplasty later in life, if they desire. Otoplasty is occasionally needed on only one ear, but even if only one ear sticks out, surgery is usually performed on both to ensure that they are balanced. Ear deformities can be congenital in nature, the result of trauma, or can be caused by a habit such as ear pulling, which infants and toddlers may do while they are teething. Trauma to the ear can include a cauliflower ear caused by a blow or injury to the ear, or a torn earlobe, which can happen with a pierced ear. Different forms of otoplasty can be used to correct different problems. For example, stretched earlobes can be corrected by simply removing excess skin, whereas sculpting and rearrangement of cartilage may be needed to correct other problems. For most people, the appearance of the ear does not affect their health. Despite this, many parents view otoplasty surgery as being necessary to help their child avoid self-esteem problems that can accompany having misshapen or too-large ears.

Additionally, the external ear plays a role in hearing by helping conduct sound into the ear canal and inner ear, and having properly shaped ears can aid hearing. A congenitally misshapen ear may be associated with malformations in the ear canal and inner ear, but otoplasty corrects only the external ear. Are You a Candidate for Otoplasty? Candidates for otoplasty young or old should be in good overall health and free of any active diseases or other pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart problems, which can cause problems during surgery and recovery. People who are considering otoplastyor the parents of young childrenshould have realistic expectations before committing to the procedure. You should discuss the desired results with the surgeon to ensure that these goals can be attained through surgery. Take a look at otoplasty before-and-after pictures to get a good idea of how the ears will look after otoplasty. Parents who are considering otoplasty for their child should pay attention to how the child feels about his or her ears. If your child is comfortable with their appearance, you should not insist on the surgery until your child wants the change.

Children who are unhappy about their ears and want the surgery go through the process more easily and are happier with the outcome than those who feel the surgery was forced on them. Finally, the costs of cosmetic surgery to the ears must be considered. Medical insurance will probably not cover the costs associated with otoplasty. Insurance may pay for repair in situations where the ear was damaged by trauma or is deformed due to a birth defect, but you are responsible for determining if this is so. If your insurance says it will cover all or part of the surgery, get it in writing. You will be responsible for any costs that insurance does cover, but financing can be arranged to cover them if necessary. How Otoplasty Is Performed If you are considering otoplasty for yourself or for a child, you should have a complete understanding of how the procedure is performed. Otoplasty is a complex surgery and should be treated as such. Although problems related to this surgery are very rare, there are some risks involved. The length of time needed for otoplasty depends on the technique used, but it is generally about 2 to 3 hours long.

Other cosmetic procedures (such as a face lift or a blepharoplasty) are usually not performed in conjunction with an otoplasty, but this may be because it is usually performed on children who do not need other cosmetic work. The most common type of otoplasty is done to correct ears that are too large or stick out too far. This is often called ear pinning or pinning back the ears, but pins are not actually used. In this procedure, a vertical slit is made in the skin on the backside of the external ear. The cartilage of the earthe firm but flexible inner tissueis exposed. The surgeon may sculpt and reshape the cartilage so that the ear is positioned closer to the head. In other cases, the surgeon may remove cartilage and skin or simply fold the cartilage so that the ear is reshaped. The scar behind the ear usually fades with time or is hidden in the natural creases of the back of the ear. If an ear needs to be enlarged or created, the surgeon usually takes cartilage or bone from somewhere else in the body to augment the tissue of the ear. Otoplasty can be performed in either a hospital or a freestanding surgery clinic.

Although otoplasty is a rather simple procedure which can be performed using just local anesthetic to numb the ear and a sedative to relax the patient, some surgeons may choose to use general anesthesia on children. This will prevent the possibility of the child awakening during the procedure, which can be a very traumatic occurrence for a child. General anesthesia also eliminates the possibility of the child moving or fidgeting during the surgery. There are several phases involved in otoplasty surgery: Preparation: This is the stage where you are "prepped" for surgery. You will be scrubbed with an antimicrobial agent to minimize any chance of infection. The surgeon will use a special marker to mark where incisions will be made. Hair is secured to keep it out of the way during the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line may be started and you may be hooked up to monitors, which allow the surgical team to keep track of heart rate and other vital signs during the operation. Anesthesia: The choice of anesthesia should be discussed between the patient (or the patients parents) and the surgeon prior to the surgery date. After administering any anesthesia, the surgeon will test the patient to determine when he or she is sufficiently anesthetized before beginning the procedure.

Otoplasty Surgical Procedure: During surgery, the surgeon will follow the pre-marked incision lines made during the preparation phase. When the surgery is finished, the incisions are closed with sutures that either will be removed later or will absorb into the ear. A dressing is then applied to protect the wounds, keep the ears securely in place, and reduce swelling. Usually, dressings for otoplasty will involve bandages that are wrapped around the whole head, so that the remolded ear keeps its shape. Otoplasty ear surgery anatomy and structural details Bermant Antitragus - lower cartilaginous edge of the conchal bowl just above the fleshy lobule of the ear. Auricle - the ear a projecting structure of skin cartilage and the hole for hearing. Concha - the hollow bowl like portion of the outer ear next to the canal. An enlarged concha forces the outer ear away from the scalp. Helix is the outer frame of the auricle, it is a rolled up edge. Lobe (lobule) - fleshy lower portion of the ear Scapha - scooped out section between the antihelix and helix. This is the outer depression near the ear edge.

Tragus - small projection just in front of the ear canal Conchal Angle - The angle the concha makes with the side of the head. The concha can be close to the ear or protrude to different degrees. Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty | West Maple Plastic Surgery Home » Body Image » Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty Posted by dsherbert on Aug 3, 2015 in Body Image , Plastic Surgery | Comments Off on Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty When Was Otoplasty Developed? You might be surprised to learn that ear surgeries have been performed for centuries, with some of the first documented cases dating back to ancient India during the 5th century BC. The Indian physician Sushruta and his team of medical students are credited with developing a number of plastic surgical techniques that involved correcting deformities of the ears, nose, and other body parts. What is a Conchal Alteration?

Conchal alteration is a type of otorplasty procedure that involves a combination of suturing (the angle between the concha and mastoid is generally reduces by as much as 25 degrees), as well as conchal excision, followed by a corrective technique to combine the aspects of the Furnas and conchal excision practices. Why Do People Seek Otoplasty Men and women seek otoplasty for a number of reasons, one of which is to reduce the total size of the ear. Known as an ear reduction, the incisions are made in discreet areas so they generally remain unnoticed. Other reasons for seeking otoplasty include the correction of abnormalities like Microtia and Anotia, as well as flattening of the ears. If you suffer from any of these conditions, or if there’s some other abnormality that’s negatively affecting either the function or appearance of your ears, talk with your plastic surgeon to see what otoplasty procedures are best suited for your particular condition.

How Long Does Recovery Take Like most forms of cosmetic plastic surgery, the recovery time for otoplasty varies depending on a number of different factors, some of which includes the exact procedure that was performed, the location of the incision(s), the patient’s health, etc. In most cases, the plastic surgeon will advise the patient to wear dressing around the ear for the first few days following the procedure. After a couple of weeks, the incision will begin to close and heal, and within 6-10 weeks it should be fully healed (or close to it). How Common are Ear Deformities? Deformities of the ear are more common than most people realize. Statistics suggest that as many as 20-30% of all newborn children are born with deformities affecting the external ear. Some of the most common ear deformities include protuberant ears, pointed ears, and helical rim abnormality. Thankfully, most of these deformities correct themselves as the child’s body grows and develops. There are times, however, then the deformity will remain present, requiring surgical otoplasty to correct it.

Contact Us My plastic surgery in Mexico, ear otoplasty surgery in Mexico, affordable plastic surgery, cheap plastic surgery cost Alternative forms of management consist of not undergoing the otoplasty operation. RISKS of OTOPLASTY SURGERY Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with otoplasty. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of otoplasty. Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (hematoma). Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding. Non-prescription "herbs" and dietary supplements can increase the risk of surgical bleeding. Accumulations of blood under the skin may delay healing and cause scarring. Infection- Infection is unusual after this type of surgery.

Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary. Change in skin sensation- Diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in the ear area may not totally resolve after otoplasty surgery. Ear trauma- Physical injury after the otoplasty procedure would disrupt the results of surgery. Care must be given to protect the ear(s) from injury during the healing process. Additional surgery may be necessary to correct damage. Skin contour irregularities- Contour irregularities and depressions may occur after otoplasty. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin and ear cartilage can occur. Skin scarring- In rare cases, excessive or abnormal scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than surrounding skin. There is the possibility of visible marks from sutures used during an otoplasty. Additional treatments including surgery may be necessary to treat abnormal scarring. Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation. Asymmetry- The human face is normally asymmetrical. There can be normal differences between ears in terms of shape and size.

There can be a variation from one side to the other in the results obtained from an otoplasty procedure. Delayed healing- Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the ear may heal abnormally or slowly. Frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue may be required. Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may result from drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment. Long term effects- Subsequent alternations in ear appearance may occur as the result of aging or other circumstances not related to otoplasty surgery. Due to the resilient nature of ear cartilage, revisionary surgery may be necessary in order to improve the results following otoplasty surgery. Pain- Very infrequently, chronic pain may occur from nerves trapped in scar tissue after an otoplasty. Deeper sutures- Some surgical techniques use deep non-absorbable sutures. These items may be noticed by the patient following surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, be visible, or produce irritation that requires removal.

Unsatisfactory result- You may be disappointed with the results of surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results. ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are particularly associated with otoplasty. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained. HEALTH INSURANCE Most health insurance companies exclude coverage for procedures such as otoplasty or any complications that might occur from surgery. Please carefully review your health insurance subscriber-information pamphlet. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES The cost of surgery involves several charges for the services provided. The total includes fees charged by your doctor, the cost of surgical supplies, anesthesia, laboratory tests, and possible outpatient hospital charges, depending on where the surgery is performed. Depending on whether the cost of surgery is covered by an insurance plan, you will be responsible for necessary co-payments, deductibles, and charges not covered. Additional costs may occur should complications develop from the surgery.

Secondary surgery or hospital day-surgery charges involved with revisionary surgery would also be your responsibility. DISCLAIMER Informed-consent documents are used to communicate information about the proposed surgical treatment of a disease or condition along with disclosure of risks and alternative forms of treatment(s). The informed-consent process attempts to define principles of risk disclosure that should generally meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances. However, every patient is unique and informed-consent documents should not be considered all inclusive in defining other methods of care and risks encountered when medical care is reasonable and directed at obtaining appropriate results. Your plastic surgeon may provide you with additional or different information which is based on all the facts in your particular case and the state of medical knowledge. Informed-consent documents are not intended to define or serve as the standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and as practice patterns evolve. My plastic surgery in Mexico reminds you that all cosmetic surgery carries a risk, has limitations which could include disappointment with the results. You should agree about the anticipated outcome of your surgery and concur about your expectations of the results.

You should discuss alternative treatments and thoroughly understand the risk of the procedures If any dispute may arise the surgeon is only liable if litigation takes place in Mexico, under Mexicoian Law. It is important that you read the above information carefully and have all of your questions answered before signing the consent. ________________________________________ CONSENT FOR SURGERY / PROCEDURE or TREATMENT 1. I hereby authorize Dr. __________________________ and such assistants as may be selected to perform the following procedure or treatment: I have received the following information sheet: INFORMED-CONSENT OTOPLASTY SURGERY 2. I recognize that during the course of the operation and medical treatment or anesthesia, unforeseen conditions may necessitate different procedures than those above. I therefore authorize the above physician and assistants or designees to perform such other procedures that are in the exercise of his or her professional judgment necessary and desirable. The authority granted under this paragraph shall include all conditions that require treatment and are not known to my physician at the time the procedure is begun. 3. I consent to the administration of such anesthetics considered necessary or advisable. I understand that all forms of anesthesia involves risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and sometimes death. 4.

I acknowledge that no guarantee has been given by anyone including My plastic surgery in Mexico or any of the staff employed by My plastic surgery in Mexico as to the results that may be obtained. If any litigation may arise as result of the surgery it can only be done in Mexico under Mexicoian Law and that My plastic surgery in Mexico, its management or staff can not be held liable in any way what so ever. 5. I consent to the disposal of any tissue, medical devices or body parts which may be removed. 6. IT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME IN A WAY THAT I UNDERSTAND: a. THE ABOVE TREATMENT OR PROCEDURE TO BE UNDERTAKEN b. THERE MAY BE ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES OR METHODS OF TREATMENT c. THERE ARE RISKS TO THE PROCEDURE OR TREATMENT PROPOSED ________________________________________ I CONSENT TO THE TREATMENT OR PROCEDURE AND THE ABOVE LISTED ITEMS (1-6). I AM SATISFIED WITH THE EXPLANATION.

____________________________________________________ Patient or Person Authorized to Sign for Patient Date____________________ Witness______________________ Ear Surgery Candidates Los Angeles, Otoplasty Patients Beverly Hills Tweet Ear Surgery Candidates Los Angeles “Did you fly to school or take the bus?” Such cruel taunting is well known to the boys and girls who have the congenital deformity of protruding ears. Called “Dumbo,” “Mickey Mouse”, “rabbit ears,” and any number of other epithets, children who have protruding or deformed ears suffer devastating blows to their self-esteem that can be corrected by Otoplasty. Surgery is the only treatment to adequately and permanently correct protruding ears. Otoplasty can position the ears closer to the head (“ear pinning”), reshape them, reduce their size, and make them more symmetrical. Otoplasty is most commonly performed on children between the ages of five to fourteen. It is one surgery where “earlier is better” in order to prevent the psychological problems that begin when children start their schooling and are subject to continual teasing. Also, ear cartilage is more malleable in a younger patient. Contents 3 What type of Ear Deformities Can be Corrected by Otoplasty?

Who is a candidate for Otoplasty? Otoplasty is a blessing for thousands of adults who have often spent their lives feeling self-conscious about their appearance because of large protruding, deformed or highly asymmetrical ears. They have always hid their large protruding ears under long hair, stayed away from wearing ear-rings, avoided wearing their hair up, and evaded wearing caps. Protruding ears are genetic, and are the most frequent congenital deformity of the head and neck area – affecting five percent of the general public. Protruding ear deformity affects both genders, and may be unilateral or bilateral. Nearly 60 percent of those affected have a family history of the condition. It is often typified by the failure of the outer rim of the ear to fold back toward the scalp during fetal development. However, there are also deformities caused by trauma (dog or animal bites), or habits of “ear pulling.” Many toddlers pull on their ears during teething stages, and continue to do so even when they are no longer teething. Stretched earlobes can also be corrected by Otoplasty. “I always wished that I could wear diamond earrings, but was embarrassed by my big ears.

After Ear Pin back surgery, I often wear beautiful earrings with my hair up.” — Rachelle, age 40 Who is not a good candidate for Otoplasty? Because no two ears on any person are identical or completely symmetrical, patients who are considering Otoplasty must realize that Otoplasty will not give them identical ears. Therefore, Otoplasty is contraindicated for those who have unrealistic expectations, as well as those who are not able to comply with the strict postoperative instructions detailed below. Patients who have previously formed Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring on their ears or other body parts must recognize that they can also have the same outcome with their Otoplasty surgery. Finally, children who have active ear infections or are to undergo surgery on their ear drums, mastoids, or tonsils should wait until after they have recovered from ear infection or the above-mentioned surgeries before undergoing Otoplasty. What type of Ear Deformities Can be Corrected by Otoplasty? The Most Common deformities corrected by Otoplasty: Large ear lobes.

“Lop Ear” or “Bat Ear”, where the concha (or inner part of the external ear) grows at a right angle of the head instead of parallel to it. “Cup Ear,” where parts of the outer ear develop irregularly, causing the ear to protrude. Deformities of unusual ear shapes, folds and underdevelopment, “Stahl’s Ear Deformity” (satyr, Vulcan or “Spock’s” ear). “Cauliflower Ear,” a deformity caused by injury and inflammation. Shell Ear (curve of the outer rim as well as the folds and creases are missing). Telephone ear deformity. Macrotia (ear too large). Microtia (ear too small). No body parts are perfectly symmetrical. Otoplasty will, however, give the patient’s face a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Since the inner ear develops independently, patients with prominent ears generally have normal hearing. “I’ll never forget the day that my son came home crying, with red ears. His classmates were pulling on his ears and teasing him. That was the day that I decided to take him to a plastic surgeon.” — Carol, mother of Jonathan Dr.

Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery including that of the Ears. He is skilled and experienced in all techniques of Otoplasty and strives to create ears that are natural and normal looking. During your consultation he will discuss all details including: if you are a good candidate, surgical options and techniques, potential risks and complications of surgery, pre- and post-operative instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect after surgery. At that time Dr. Younai will also show you before-and-after pictures of other patients with Otoplasty, who might be similar to you. VIEW REAL PATIENT Questions? Send Us A Message Patient Testimonials "Dr. Younai is by far the best plastic surgeon in the Los Angeles area. Not to mention he has the most wonderful staff and his prices are below average cost. I have done my research and have had liposuction twice before with far less superior results. The difference with Dr. Younai is that he is a true artist who looks at your body individually and molds it to perfection.

I was so impressed with his work that I have since had him do some face work and additional body work that has all turned out excellent. I have no complaints with him or his office. Thanks to him, I am now a beautiful size 4/6 and loving my life. I will definitely be using him again in the future to maintain my appearance." - Thanks Marlene Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery: MedlinePlus Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery URL of this page: Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Patient Handouts Summary Surgeons can reshape the appearance of body parts through cosmetic surgery.

Some of the most common body parts people want to improve through surgery include Breasts: Increase or reduce the size of breasts or reshape sagging breasts Ears: Reduce the size of large ears or set protruding ears back closer to the head Eyes: Correct drooping upper eyelids or remove puffy bags below the eyes Face: Remove facial wrinkles, creases or acne scars Hair: Fill in balding areas with one's own hair Nose: Change the shape of the nose Tummy: Flatten the abdomen Cosmetic Surgery: What to Know Beforehand (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Latest News Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Removing Hair Safely (Food and Drug Administration) Specifics Abdominoplasty - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Blepharoplasty - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Breast Augmentation (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Breast augmentation - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Breast

 Lift (Mastopexy) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Breast reduction (mammoplasty) - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish Breast Reduction Surgery (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Buttock Lift (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Chemical Peel (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

Question: Otoplasty is the surgical alteration of what external body parts?
Answer: Ears