Plastic Surgery for Ears

Plastic surgery for ears, otherwise known as otoplasty, is designed to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. Most commonly, patients have this surgery performed because they have either suffered an injury or were born with a defect. Other situations that may call for ear surgery include oversized ears, protruding ears or a dissatisfaction with a previous ear surgery. The goal of the surgery is to restore the original, natural look of the ear. While this procedure brings the ears back to their normal condition, the confidence and self-esteem gained is the biggest reward.

Many people question whether plastic surgery for ears is the best decision. This is one that is personal rather than being a medical necessity. If you are unhappy or embarrassed by the look of your ears and are always trying to cover them up, having the surgery is an excellent option. However, you should not have the procedure done just to impress someone else or to fit an idealized image. Just about anyone can have the surgery, providing he or she is five-years-old or older, healthy, cooperative and has a positive outlook toward the procedure.

When preparing for plastic surgery for ears, you will start with an initial consultation, where the plastic surgeon will evaluate your overall health, reasons for the procedure and your desired outcome. This is also the time that the benefits and risks of the surgery will be discussed. Preparing for the surgery is relatively straightforward and includes taking good care of yourself, adjusting medications and having the appropriate lab work completed. Although the risks are small, they are still there and need to be considered prior to every surgery. Once the lab work is returned and you are given the go-ahead, you can schedule the surgery.

In the majority of cases, plastic surgery for ears is performed in the plastic surgeon’s office or a related surgical facility. Your surgeon will be there, along with the necessary staff for your comfort. Safety is a prime factor, and the procedure will be handled with the utmost care and concern. Once the surgery is completed, your ears will be dressed with the necessary bandages, keeping the site clean and free of infection. The dressings will also support the new position of the ears. Plastic surgery for ears provides immediate results, although it will take several weeks for the healing process and pain to subside.

Written By: Val. Last Modified: 22 June 2011