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Plastic Surgery

Ear Correction Surgery

Here at California Skin Institute we’ve had the privilege of helping many patients improve their self esteem through otoplasty; an ear correction surgery that can change the size and shape of the ears. This treatment, also referred to as ear pinning, is available to adults and children who are struggling with ear deformities, or with ears that protrude too far out to the sides (a problem that can occur in one or both ears). Our surgeons are experts when it comes to correcting ear shape and position through otoplasty and go to great lengths to ensure an outcome that looks natural.

How Otoplasty Works

California Skin Institute surgeons perform ear correction surgery to address a variety of situations, including: misshapen ears (due to birth defect or injury); correcting ears that are too large in proportion to other facial features; and adjusting position for one or both ears if they protrude too much.

One of the first steps for an otoplasty to be successful is to understand exactly where the patient sees the problem and what they would like to see corrected. When you visit us for an ear correction consultation, one of our surgeons will take the time to understand your concerns in detail. After gaining a thorough understanding of your observations, your California Skin Institute surgeon will provide suggestions for how one or both ears can be repositioned to meet your goals.

During your otoplasty, the surgeon will make a small incision behind the ear, where the natural crease occurs between the ear and the scalp. Through this incision, your California Skin Institute surgeon will remove excess skin or cartilage, which will allow for a reduction in the ear protrusion. During this step, your surgeon can also mold the cartilage to adjust the shape of the ear to your desired goals.

What Otoplasty Treats

An expertly-performed otoplasty can address excessive ear protrusion, deformities of the ear, reduce ear size, and adjust ear position. To ensure that our patients receive the best care, California Skin Institute surgeons undergo extensive training and cultivate significant treatment experience that allows them to understand the nuances of ear structure. Even a small adjustment during otoplasty can have profound effects, and our surgeons work very hard to anticipate any such changes in order to create outcomes that look natural.

In fact, California Skin Institute surgeons have also helped many patients to correct errors made during previous surgeries by inexperienced practitioners. If your previous surgeon over-adjusted your ear position or created an unnatural shape in one or both ears, please schedule a consultation with one of our highly-trained surgeons to fix the problem.

Is Otoplasty Safe?

When performed by a highly experienced surgeon, otoplasty is a safe procedure that can yield dramatic improvement. Your treatment will be performed either under sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the correction needed. Your California Skin Institute surgeon will discuss these options during your consultation.

How Soon will Results Appear?

After the surgery, the ears will need several weeks to heal. Typically, the bandages will remain on the ears for approximately 1 week, but may vary depending on your unique situation and needs. Thereafter, you may need to wear a headband for several weeks to help the ears heal in the proper position.

Otoplasty Side Effects

The side effects associated with otoplasty are generally very rare. As with any surgery, there is always a chance of infection. To reduce this possibility, it is vital that you follow all aftercare instructions given by your California Skin Institute surgeon.

Some patients experience mild discomfort for several weeks after surgery during nighttime, as it is important to avoid pressure on the treated ears. Patients who are not accustomed to sleeping on their back may find this period to be slightly uncomfortable.

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if this treatment or procedure is right for you.


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