Probably no other
physical characteristic cries out for facial plastic surgery more
than protruding ears. Children, long the victims of cruel nicknames
like “Dumbo” or “Mickey Mouse,” are the
most likely candidates for otoplasty(ear plastic surgery or ear pinning), but this surgery can be performed
at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around
five to six years of age. Even if the ears are only mildly distorted,
the condition can lead to self-consciousness and poor adaptation
to school. When it comes to otoplasty, conventional wisdom is the
earlier the better.
Adults may also
benefit from this procedure, which improves self-esteem with relative
ease. Often, adults choose this surgery in conjunction with other
facial plastic surgical procedures. Not only is it possible to “pin
back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size,
or made more symmetrical.
If you are wondering
how otoplasty can improve the way you look, you need to know how
otoplasty is performed and what you can expect from this procedure.
Successful facial
plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and
surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical
expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Dr.
Maloney can answer specific questions about your specific ear plastic surgery needs (otoplasty).
Is
Otoplasty For You? General good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
It is also important to understand the surgery. Otoplasty(ear plastic surgery)will not
alter hearing ability. What is important for successful otoplasty
is that the ears be in proportion to the size and shape of the face
and head.
When considering
otoplasty, parents must be confident that they have their child's
best interests at heart. A positive attitude toward the surgery
is an important factor in all facial plastic surgery, but it is
especially critical when the patient is a child or adolescent.
Adult candidates
for otoplasty should understand that the firmer cartilage of fully
developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in
children. A consultation with Dr. Maloney can help parents decide
what is best for their child, not only aesthetically, but also psychologically
and physically. Timing is always an important consideration. Having
the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects:
the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease
of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological
benefits from the cosmetic improvement.
Making
the Decision For Otoplasty
Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount
importance. During the consultation, Dr. Maloney will examine the
structure of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting the
problems. Even if only one ear needs “pinning back,”
surgery will probably be recommended on both ears to achieve the
most natural, symmetrical appearance.
After Dr. Maloney
and you decide that otoplasty is indicated, he will discuss the
procedure. Following a thorough medical history, Dr. Maloney will
explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and
costs. Typically, Dr. Maloney will suggest a general anesthesia
for young patients and a local anesthetic combined with a mild sedative
for older children and adults. Under normal conditions, otoplasty
requires approximately two hours to perform both ears.
Understanding
the Surgery Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the
natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Maloney will
then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required
to achieve the right effect. In some cases, Dr. Maloney will trim
the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin
the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.
In other instances,
Dr. Maloney will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches
to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the
cartilage to the desired shape, he will apply sutures to anchor
the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.
What
to Expect After the Surgery
Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain overnight. Most patients
experience some mild discomfort. If you are accustomed to sleeping
on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or
so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands
are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position
for two weeks after the surgery.
The risks are
minimal. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing.
Because this scar is in a natural crease behind the ear, the problem
of visibility is inconsequential. Anything unusual should be reported
to Dr. Maloney immediately.
Facial plastic
surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws that can
often undermine one's self-confidence. By changing how you look,
cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.
Insurance does
not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons.
Surgery to correct or improve birth defects or traumatic injuries
may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility
to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree
of coverage.
General good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
It is also important to understand the surgery. Otoplasty(ear plastic surgery)will not
alter hearing ability. What is important for successful otoplasty
is that the ears be in proportion to the size and shape of the face
and head.
Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the
natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Maloney will
then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required
to achieve the right effect. In some cases, Dr. Maloney will trim
the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin
the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.