Otoplasty
What is an Otoplasty?
An otoplasty is a cosmetic ear surgery to change the shape, position, or size of ears. Otoplasties don’t affect your hearing or the location of the ears. Often, people receive an otoplasty because their ears stick out, are out of proportion, or are “misshapen” because of an injury or birth defect. Whatever your reason for an otoplasty, we’re here to listen and provide you with the results you want.
What Can Otoplasty Can Do For You
For your otoplasty, we will consider the shape and size that suits your face and needs. We can achieve this by removing cartilage, folding back the ear, or bringing it forward. Our surgeons generally achieve this with incisions to the back side of the ear.
The antihelical fold is the ridge that begins at your earlobe and follows up the outer rim of the ear. The antihelical fold can be reshaped or recreated with sutures. The conchal cartilage is the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear or the area where your earbuds go and might be reduced or repositioned with sutures.
While this applies to most otoplasties, it doesn’t apply to all. Your surgeon can make incisions in one of these areas, both, or neither, depending on what we need to do to achieve your desired results. We customize each otoplasty procedure to fit your appearance and individual goals. You and your provider will discuss the best method for you at your consultation.
Who Can Get an Otoplasty?
What to Expect at Your Consultation
With each procedure, we take a patient-first approach. It’s your body, we’re only here to listen first before we suggest which option is right for you. We want you to tell us about your goals and concerns, and ask any questions. Then together, you and your provider will determine the best way to achieve your goals. Also at your consultation, you and your providers will discuss your medical history, current medications, and any previous surgery. We want to make sure your surgery is safe for you and that you have no complications with your recovery.
Otoplasty Procedure
We want you to be informed every step of the way. At your consultation, your provider will walk you through your otoplasty. After you’ve had your consultation, your next step is to go to your first pre-op appointment. This meeting will be with a nurse two to four weeks before your otoplasty. The nurse will discuss your health history, current medications, and past surgeries again to ensure there are no complications. The nurse will also go over your pre and post-op instructions and answer any questions you might have.
Your second post-op will be with your surgeon also two to four weeks before your procedure. At this point, your surgeon will explain the procedure again while answering any other questions or concerns you may have. On the day of surgery, you’ll meet with the OR nurses who will prepare you for your otoplasty. Next you’ll be able to speak with your surgeon, ask him any last minute questions and if you need to be marked it will be done at this time. You may also speak with your anesthesiologist about any previous issues you might have had with anesthesia, then you are ready for surgery.
Otoplasties are outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to drive you home and spend at least one night with you after. If you have any questions or concerns about your otoplasty, don’t hesitate to ask your provider. We want you to feel comfortable and confident when taking the next step.
Otoplasty Risks
Every surgery comes with risks, and otoplasties are no exception. At your consultation, you and your provider will discuss the risks that come along with your otoplasty. If any of these risks worry you, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your provider. We want you to feel safe and confident going into your procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeons follow every precaution and safety measure to reduce the likelihood of complications. If there’s anything we can do to ease your mind, we won’t hesitate to help.
Your Otoplasty Recovery
We make every otoplasty unique to our patients, which means your recovery is unique as well. Your provider will recommend aftercare that’s specific to your needs and lifestyle. They will advise you on how to shower, how to sleep, when you can return to work, and more tips to help you recover well. Most patients experience temporary side effects like itching, swelling, or redness. If these side effects bother you, discuss them with your provider at your post-op. We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us during your recovery.
Take Control of Your Self-Image
One of our core beliefs at Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa is celebrating individuality. How you appear to others is how you express yourself. Only you can decide what that looks like. Plastic surgery gives you the option to define who you are inside and out. It’s not just about looks; it’s a tool for self-expression. Our goal is to empower patients by delivering the results they want. If you’re interested in plastic surgery, we will provide you with nothing less than the best, so you can be the best version of yourself.