Otoplasty, commonly known as ear surgery, is designed to improve the shape, size, or position of the ears. Prominent, oversized, asymmetrical, or misshapen ears can affect facial balance and cause self-consciousness for both children and adults. Otoplasty can create a more natural appearance by repositioning or reshaping the ears to better complement the rest of the facial features.
Patients throughout Atlanta and Sandy Springs choose Dr. Brian Maloney for otoplasty because of his specialized expertise in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Maloney is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and completed advanced fellowship training focused exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face. His meticulous surgical technique and personalized approach help patients achieve natural-looking improvements that enhance confidence and facial harmony.
Ideal Candidates for Otoplasty
In order to be considered for otoplasty in Atlanta, children must be at least 5 years of age, or old enough that the ears have stopped developing and the cartilage is stable enough for correction. Both children and adult patients must be in good overall health and free of chronic ear infections or other medical conditions that can impair healing. They should also have realistic expectations of the procedure and results.
Otoplasty is tailored to the needs of you or your child. Dr. Maloney can perform otoplasty to correct the following:
- Oversized ears
- Prominent or protruding ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Congenital ear deformities
- Acquired ear deformities resulting from injury or trauma
Ear Surgery Procedure Details
Otoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure. For children and teenage patients, Dr. Maloney typically recommends using general anesthesia. General, local or twilight sedation may be used for older patients. During the procedure, Dr. Maloney will create an incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. The incisions are well concealed.
To resize overly large ears, Dr. Maloney will remove cartilage and skin as needed. He may also reshape the cartilage to improve the shape of the ears. For protruding ears, he will reshape the cartilage then secure it using permanent sutures. Once Dr. Maloney is done making all of the agree-upon modifications, he will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures.
Otoplasty Recovery and Aftercare
Dr. Maloney and his staff play an active role in patient’s recovery and post operative care. They will provide you with a detailed list of instructions to follow. Soft dressing are applied to the ears immediately after surgery and should remain in place overnight. For the first week, patients should avoid sleeping on their sides as to not apply pressure on the ears. Dr. Maloney may recommend wearing a softband to protect the ears as they heal for the first week. Discomfort is minimal but can be managed with prescription oral pain medication. Most patients are able to return to work or school and other normal activities one to two weeks after surgery.
The Benefits of Otoplasty
Otoplasty offers many benefits, both physically and emotionally. By improving the shape, position or proportion of the ears, the balance and proportion between the ears and face are enhanced. Patients experience a boost in self-esteem after otoplasty. Children in particular feel much more confident in their appearance as they are no longer subjected to bullying or unkind comments about their ears from their peers. Often, patients are more comfortable wearing their hair up and off of their face without fear that they will bring wanted attention to the appearance of their ears.
Why Choose The Maloney Center for Facial Plastic Surgery for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty requires precision, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of facial balance. At the Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery, ear surgery is performed by Dr. Brian Maloney, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and ears. His goal is to create results that look natural while improving overall facial harmony.
Dr. Maloney maintains double board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. His advanced training allows him to address a wide range of ear concerns, from prominent ears and asymmetry to congenital and acquired deformities. Patients throughout Atlanta and Sandy Springs trust the Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery for individualized treatment plans, compassionate care, and natural-looking surgical outcomes tailored to their unique needs.
Schedule a Consultation
At the Maloney Center for facial plastic surgery, Dr. Maloney and his team are sensitive and understanding of the needs of their patients. They work diligently to provide each individual with a safe, comfortable and satisfying experience. To learn more about otoplasty, please schedule a personal consultation. Contact us at our Atlanta office by calling 470.207.1367 or emailing us today.
