Improve Your Ears With Otoplasty in Scottsdale

Ears can be a sensitive subject for some individuals, particularly if they have undergone bullying in their school days. Children who experience this teasing are more likely to grow self conscious of their ears as they grow into adults. These individuals may often be found in hats or always wearing their hair down to conceal the shape or size of their ears. People who are unhappy with the position or size of their ears may opt for a procedure called otoplasty.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is an ear surgery, sometimes called ear pinning, that corrects the size, shape, and position of ears. Individuals may be unsatisfied with the natural shape of their ears or they may have experienced an injury that caused damage to the ear. Otoplasty is a series of incisions that will correct any defects. Often times, the procedure will be performed on both ears, even if there is only one problematic ear, to ensure a symmetrical appearance after surgery has been performed.

Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?

If you are currently unhappy with the shape, size, or location of your ears, you may be a good candidate for otoplasty. The procedure can be performed on adults or children as young as four years of age. In fact, many surgeons suggest performing the operation at a younger age because the ear cartilage is more malleable and has not hardened yet. At this age, children are also able to form an opinion about surgery and understand what will happen.

During your consultation with Dr. Henderson, your ears will be examined for symmetry, shape, and protrusion to determine the best course of action. If you elect to undergo otoplasty in Scottsdale with Dr. Pamela Henderson, you will come to the office approximately two weeks prior to the surgery for a preoperative consultation. At the consultation, Dr. Henderson’s medical assistant will discuss preoperative instructions and care.

How is the procedure performed?

Otoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. To make you comfortable, Dr. Henderson will administer anesthesia. Local anesthesia and IV sedation can be performed directly in Dr. Henderson’s office, but individuals who require general anesthesia will undergo surgery at Shea Healthcare Center. Scarring is minimal and incision sites are hidden within the folds of the ear or in the crease behind the ear. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures that disappear within a couple of weeks. A light pressure dressing is applied to help the ears maintain their new shape over the first few days.

What is the recovery process like?

After the dressing is removed, Dr. Henderson will advise you to wear a special headband all day for the first week, then just at night for two more weeks. Swelling and bruising is expected and will gradually disappear over two to three weeks. For the first two or three weeks, strenuous activities should be avoided. Contact activities should be avoided for at least six weeks, due to their high risk of trauma. You should be able to see the final results of your surgery around six to eight weeks after the surgery.

If you or a loved one is interested in otoplasty, contact Dr. Henderson of New Image Plastic Surgery today. The friendly staff is available to answer questions and schedule a consultation.