Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
“Otoplasty” is the surgery that corrects protruding ears. Not only can the ears be “pinned back”, but they can also be reduced in size, reshaped, or made more symmetrical.
Wisconsin Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
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What Is Otoplasty?
“Otoplasty” is the surgery that corrects protruding ears. Not only can the ears be “pinned back”, but they can also be reduced in size, reshaped, or made more symmetrical.
Unfortunately, children are often the victims of unkind nicknames like “Mickey Mouse” or “Dumbo”, and they can be candidates for otoplasty. This surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size. Even with mild distortion, protruding ears can lead to self-consciousness and poor adjustment to school.
Adults also benefit from this procedure, which can improve self-esteem fairly easily. Many times adults will choose this surgery to be done in combination with other facial cosmetic surgical procedures.
Is Ear Surgery for Me?
As with any elective surgical procedure, realistic expectations and good health are prerequisites. Men, women, boys and girls may be candidates for a ear surgery procedure. The primary goal of otoplasty is to reshape the ears to be in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head.
Patients who can benefit from ear surgery may have one or more of the following concerns:
Your Consultation for Otoplasty
When choosing otoplasty for your child or yourself, a consultation with Dr. Parfitt will help you decide what is best aesthetically, but also physically and psychologically. Timing of the surgery is also an important consideration.
During the consultation, the structure of the ears will be examined and the possibilities and techniques for correcting the problems will be discussed. Even if only one ear needs significant correction, surgery will probably be recommended for both ears to achieve the most symmetrical and natural result.
If you are interested in ear surgery, your choice of a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon is extremely important. During your consultation, Dr. Parfitt will examine your facial anatomy and also obtain a medical history, so he can consider any medical conditions that may heighten any risk. Dr. Parfitt will weigh other factors that could influence the results of surgery such as skin type, age, ethnicity and your expectations of surgery. Once you and Dr. Parfitt arrive at a mutual understanding and trust, he will tailor a treatment plan that is best suited to you.
At your consultation you will receive detailed information of the following:
The Otoplasty Procedure
As with all surgeries done by Dr. Parfitt, ear pinning surgery is done as an outpatient surgery at our private Wisconsin surgical facility. General anesthesia is rarely necessary even for young patients and a local anesthetic combined with a mild sedative is always used for older children and adults.
Otoplasty begins with an incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear attaches to the head. Measured amounts of cartilage and skin are then removed to achieve the desired effect. In most cases, Dr. Parfitt will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more aesthetic form and then “pin” the cartilage back with sutures to stabilize and secure it. In other instances, Dr. Parfitt will not remove cartilage but instead use only sutures to hold the cartilage permanently in a new, more desirable shape and position. After sculpting the cartilage to the preferred shape, Dr. Parfitt then strategically places sutures that hold the ear in the desired position until healing is complete.
Recovery After Ear Surgery
A soft dressing is applied to the ears that will remain for three to seven days. Some patients experience mild discomfort that is managed with mild analgesics such as Tylenol. Otoplasty patients typically return to work, school, or social activities after 1 week.
If you tend to sleep on your side, your sleeping patterns may be affected for a week or so because you should avoid putting excessive pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are also recommended to hold the ears in position for two to three weeks after the surgery. All patients are required to follow the post-operative instructions to ensure better healing and to reduce any possible complications.
Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Whether you are having surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, choosing a qualified and certified Facial Plastic Surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Parfitt is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, which means he has extra years of surgical and reconstructive training. Dr. Parfitt has dedicated his entire private practice to cosmetic facial plastic surgery. Dr. Parfitt has over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, specializing only in cosmetic procedures of the head and neck. When making your decision to have surgery, you can rest assured that Dr. Parfitt is highly qualified and a skilled expert to perform your chosen procedure.
Common Questions on Ear Surgery:
Get answers to the most common questions about otoplasty, including treatment options, recovery time, and expected results.
What type of anesthesia is used?
At what age can you receive an ear surgery?
How long does an otoplasty surgery take?
Will I have a scar from the procedure?
Is there pain involved with ear surgery?
What can I do to achieve the best results?
What is the cost of ear surgery in Wisconsin?
Where can I have a consultation with Dr. Parfitt?
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Schedule a Consultation
Facial plastic surgery with Dr. Richard Parfitt can make it possible to correct many undesirable facial features that can often undermine one’s self-esteem and self-confidence. If you would like more information or are interested in a facial cosmetic procedure, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Parfitt at one of our Wisconsin office locations in Madison or Appleton by calling (888) 389-3223.
