Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty Surgery?
Otoplasty is a surgery that reshapes the ears. Ears that stick out or are noticeably large can have a negative impact on your self-confidence. If you’re looking for solutions, then a board-certified plastic surgeon can help. Here’s what to know about ear surgery and whether it’s right for you.
Is Otoplasty Right for Me?
If you have fully-developed ears that protrude from your head or if you’re unhappy with the size and shape of your ears, then otoplasty can be a good option. It’s also possible to correct misshapen or lopsided ears through this procedure. However, otoplasty isn’t always done by itself; it could be combined with other facial cosmetic surgeries like facelift or rhinoplasty. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the right options for your cosmetic goals during your consultation.
Candidates for Otoplasty
The best candidates for otoplasty are people who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears and have realistic expectations about the results of surgery. Otoplasty can correct a wide variety of issues, including:
1. Protruding or oversized ears
2. Holes in the earlobes
3. Asymmetrical ears
4. Ear deformities
You should be in overall good health and able to undergo surgery. Additionally, if you’re young and still have growing to do, you may not be a good candidate since your ears may still change.
What Happens During Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in your plastic surgeon’s office or surgery center. The surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete and uses local anesthetic.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions in the back of your ear to remove excess skin. The ears are positioned closer to the head, and the skin is closed with stitches.
Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults, and you can return home immediately after surgery.
Recovery and Results
Most patients return to work or school within one week after surgery. Results can be seen right away, but it may take up to a year for the ears to settle into their final position. During your short recovery, it’s important to sleep in an inclined position and avoid putting pressure on your ears. You’ll return to your plastic surgeon for a follow-up and to have any stitches removed. You’ll be given detailed instructions to follow for washing and avoiding exercise. Generally, otoplasty recovery is very fast and easy, with most patients making a full recovery within 1-2 weeks.
Schedule a Consultation
Zuliani Facial Aesthetics is a leading provider of otoplasty surgery in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Dr. Giancarlo Zuliani is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing ear surgery and can discuss your best options. To get started, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
