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EAR SURGERY
What is an Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a plastic surgery that reshapes the outer ear (also known as the pinna) At times, this is to correct a deformity, and at other times, it’s merely to improve the appearance of the ear. Often reconstructive surgery involves building up the outer ear after an accident or because of congenital deformity.
Ear surgery can improve the shape, proportion, and even the ear’s position to enhance facial symmetry. Sometimes a defect in the ear structure is present at birth. At other times, it becomes visible with development, but both can be corrected with otoplasty. This procedure can also treat ears that have been misshapen due to injury.
If your ears have been misshapen, or you’d like to improve your facial symmetry, otoplasty might be the right procedure for you. Even correcting minor deformities can lead to profound improvements to your self-esteem.
Am I a Good Candidate for this surgery?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is performed on both children and adults. If the patient is a child, the right candidate for this surgery would be in good general health. At least five years old (this allows for a child’s ear cartilage to be stable enough for correction). They are cooperative and can follow instructions well, and they can communicate their feelings.
If the patient is a teenager or adult, they are also in good general health, with a positive outlook and realistic expectations of what is possible with this procedure. They are non-smokers and currently unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their ears.
Most importantly, they realize that ear surgery is a highly individualized surgery. It should be a decision made for themselves and not try to fit any sort of ideal image.
How much does otoplasty ear surgery cost?
According to 2019 statistics, the average cost of cosmetic ear surgery was $3,220. However, this does not reflect the total price of the surgery. It does not include anesthesia or fees for a surgical suite. Or other related expenses.
An otoplasty at Buckhead Plastic Surgery starts at $6065 for both ears. To find out exactly how much your procedure will be, call us today to set up your free consultation. Dr. Larsen will examine your ears and give you a more accurate estimate of what your procedure will cost. Although this procedure is not often covered by insurance, we work with several 3rd party medical financing companies that can help you to finance your procedure for qualified patients.
What is involved in this procedure?
Like most cosmetic surgeries, this procedure starts with anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you, either intravenous or general anesthesia.
Next, incisions will be made. The location of the incisions could vary depending on the reason for your specific surgery. Often they are made on the back surface of the ear where any scarring would be almost impossible to see. In the rare case, when incisions are needed on the front of the ear, they are made within the natural folds to conceal them better.
After the necessary corrections are made, internal non-removable sutures create and secure the newly shaped cartilage into place. After the internal sutures are in place, the incision is closed with external stitches. Techniques for this are individualized based on the patient’s needs and to create a natural appearance.
What is the recovery for otoplasty surgery like?
You will likely wake up from surgery with bandages over the incision site, depending on the type of ear surgery. It’s common for some bandages to be in place to help support the new structure of your ear.
Some discomfort will be felt immediately following surgery, but Dr. Larsen will be intentional with your pain management and keep you as comfortable as possible. It’s common to experience an itchy sensation around the incision site or where internal sutures were placed. Some patients experience headaches as the new ear tissue heals.
It is necessary that all bandages remain intact and are not removed for any reason. This helps to maintain the corrections of the surgery.
Some swelling around the incision site is normal after surgery, and most patients find that they can return to most of their normal activities within a few weeks.
What are the results of an otoplasty?
One of the reasons this surgery is so popular is the near-immediate results. If you are undergoing Otoplasty because of protruding ears, the results are visible as soon as the dressing that supports the new shape is removed. In most cases, no matter what kind of reconstruction is needed, the incision scars are easily hidden behind the ear or within the ear’s natural creases. Although ears are distinct on all humans, this surgery is a quick and effective way to improve facial symmetry and obtain very natural-looking results.
For more extensive surgeries where major reconstruction is needed, the results will still be visible quickly, but it’s more common for them to heal in stages over time.
Why Choose Buckhead Plastic Surgery for My Otoplasty Surgery?
Dr. Larsen is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, throughout his long and decorated career he has provided excellent care to his patients. He has hand-selected his team and chooses only to work with the very best people in the industry. He prides himself on his surgical skill and his exemplary patient care. You will not find a more qualified surgeon than Dr. Larsen.
He is very experienced in this procedure and can show you before and after photos of other patients just like you who have undergone this life-changing surgical procedure. Don’t wait another day, call us today to set up your free consultation and learn more about what this procedure could mean for your life.
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Alan N. Larsen, MD.
Double Board-Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Larsen established Buckhead Plastic Surgery as a boutique practice to offer world-class, personalized service to women and men throughout the Southeast. Dr. Larsen’s compassion and talent are complemented by his elite training with some of the nation’s finest plastic surgeons.
Alan N. Larsen, MD.Double Board-Certified Atlanta Plastic SurgeonDr. Larsen established Buckhead Plastic Surgery as a boutique practice to offer world-class, personalized service to women and men throughout the Southeast. Dr. Larsen’s compassion and talent are complemented by his elite training with some of the nation’s finest plastic surgeons.
