Otoplasty

Otoplasty is an operation that is performed to correct prominent ears. This condition can be moderate or severe and manifests itself by causing the ears to protrude and cup forward. While usually diagnosed at a younger age, this condition is ignored and camouflaged by wearing the hair longer. In children, it is often the cause of ridicule by classmates and may cause significant psycho-social concerns.

I have been performing Otoplasty surgery (ear pinning) in New York for over 20 years.

What is Otoplasty? 

OTOPLASTY CONSULTATION

The consultation process, (plan to spend at least one hour) includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to shape, size and recovery from Otoplasty Surgery. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the operation, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your postoperative result.

CANDIDATES FOR OTOPLASTY

If you have concerns about the size or protrusion of your ears, prompting you to cover them with longer hair or are bothered by comments made about your child’s ears by other children, then may be for you or your child. This type of surgery can enhance appearance and improve overall self-confidence and self-esteem.

The best candidates for Otoplasty surgery are healthy individuals who are realistic about what the surgery can afford after a complete consultation. Scarring is usually not an issue because of the scarlocation behind the ears and I close the skin with great care and offer advice and support regarding scar care after surgery.

OTOPLASTY (EAR PINNING) PROCEDURE

Otoplasty Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, and consists of making a small incision behind the ear removing some of the cartilage and manipulating the cartilage with sutures in essence “pinning the ears back” to a more aesthetically pleasing position. The patient is required to wear a headband for several days after surgery. Children can usually return to school in several days and full activity is resumed within two weeks. The satisfaction rate for this surgery is extremely high as the results are immediately visible and are usually lifelong.

OTOPLASTY RECOVERY

After surgery you will be discharged with explicit wound care and subsequent scar care instructions. You will be quite swollen for 2-4 days after surgery, and we will counsel you about caring for that aspect of your otoplasty recovery. Most of my patients return to work in 2-3 days, and pain after surgery is well controlled with mild pain medication or Tylenol. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery.

The ear surgery is performed in my state of the art, fully certified operative suite in my office located on the Upper East Side in New York. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 5-7 days.

I have a great deal of experience with all aspects of Ear Surgery, and comfortably possess the required expertise to allow me to achieve the best possible results for you.

If you are displeased with the shape or size of your ears, give me a call to schedule your consultation!

OTOPLASTY FAQS

IS OTOPLASTY SURGERY PERMANENT?

Yes, results are permanent. Rarely, revisions may be needed, but they are done under local anesthesia, and are minor.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER OTOPLASTY?

There is little significant pain after ear surgery, and for that reason, many of my patients return to work in 1-3 days.

WILL OTOPLASTY SURGERY AFFECT MY HEARING?

Otoplasty surgery is essentially a cosmetic surgery, not functional procedure, and will not affect your hearing, one way or another.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO REACH MY FINAL RESULT AFTER OTOPLASTY?

Within 2 weeks, my ear surgery patients notice a significant improvement. Most of the postoperative swelling is gone by 6 weeks, but 100% is usually gone after 6 months, achieving the final result.

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST MY SON OR DAUGHTER CAN UNDERGO OTOPLASTY?

Unlike most other parts of our body, the ears reach full size by age 7-8. For that reason, children who are bothered by ridicule or taunting by peers are eligible for surgery by that age. If the child is unaware and unaffected, then I recommend waiting until it becomes an issue.