Ears aren’t something most people think much about unless they stand out. No one wants their ears to be their most prominent feature. Individuals with ears that are oversized, misaligned or that stick out can have a difficult time coping in an insensitive world, especially while growing up. Kids can be brutal. Adults who had been bullied as children may see themselves as unattractive and lack self-esteem. Otoplasty in Scottsdale is a promising solution for people who desire a more appealing look for their ears.

What Is otoplasty?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a procedure used to alter the size, shape and position of an individual’s ears. The asymmetry may be a natural occurrence or due to injury. The procedure involves a series of incisions to correct all defects. Otoplasty is generally performed on both ears to ensure symmetry.

Am I a good candidate for ear surgery?

A good candidate for ear surgery is anyone, of almost any age, who is troubled by the look or location of their ears. Otoplasty can be performed on patients from four years old to adult. At the age of four most patients have some understanding and have already formed an opinion. It is common for surgeons to prefer working on younger patients with more malleable ear cartilage. The tissue hardens with age making reshaping a bit more challenging.

Dr. Pamela Henderson will examine your ears in Scottsdale and devise a treatment plan. At that point it will be determined if surgery is the next step. If you choose surgery, you will meet with a medical assistant two weeks in advance for a preoperative consultation to discuss how you need to prepare for otoplasty.

What should I expect during otoplasty?

Most times, local anesthesia is administered by Dr. Henderson in her office where the outpatient procedure is performed. For some individuals it is necessary to use general anesthesia. Surgery for these patients is conducted at the Shea Healthcare Center.

Since otoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, there is minimal scarring. Concealed incisions are made within the folds and creases of the ear. Dissolvable sutures are used to seal the incisions and bandages, which apply light pressure, are placed to secure the newly reshaped tissue. The sutures will dissolve within two weeks and the bandages removed after several days.

What happens after surgery?

It is recommended that you wear the headband provided to you throughout the entirety of the day for the first week and overnight for the following two weeks. Expect some bruising and swelling. It will take at least two weeks for these symptoms to subside. During this period avoid all arduous activity. Avoid all situations that may offer a high risk of injury, like contact sports, for about two months to ensure proper healing. Results should be clearly visible at this time.

For more information on how otoplasty can help enhance the look of your ears, contact Dr. Henderson of New Image Plastic Surgery online or at (480) 596-6886.