Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Wisconsin Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

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:
– Protruding ears
– Large ears
– Asymmetrical ears

Otoplasty will not worsen or improve hearing ability. A positive attitude during the process is an important factor in all surgery, but it is especially important when the patient is an adolescent or child.

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:
– Surgical procedure(s)
– Technique indicated
– Type of anesthesia
– Risks involved
– Middleton/Madison on-site surgical facility
– Additional surgery recommendations
– Scheduling and booking options
– Financing policies
– Surgical quote of costs involved

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.

COMMON QUESTIONS ON EAR SURGERY: