Question: I know otoplasty can be performed on children at very young ages, but are there ever instances where you advise against young patients having this surgery? Answer: Otoplasty can in fact be performed on young children but, I prefer not to perform otoplasty on any child younger than late 4 or 5 years of… [Read More]
Otoplasty
Otoplasty as a Child vs. Otoplasty as an Adult?
Question: I’ve heard that it’s harder to sculpt the ears in older patients. Does this mean that if you choose to undergo otoplasty as an adult you will not get as good of a result as if you had surgery as a child? Answer: Cartilage in an adult ear is certainly a lot more stiff… [Read More]
After otoplasty my ears back to initial position.
Question: I had otoplasty years ago and I feel that my ears have partially returned to their initial position. Is there some reason why this would occur and could I get another procedure done? Answer: It is possible that your ears have partially returned to the position they were in prior to your otoplasty. I… [Read More]
Is it normal to have constant bleeding after an otoplasty?
Question: I had otoplasty surgery a few days ago. One of my ears is bleeding nonstop, not a lot but it’s still not stopping. Is this normal or should I be concerned? Answer: I would expect the bleeding to have subsided a day or so after your otoplasty surgery. I normally keep a compression dressing… [Read More]
How can I dramatically change the shape of my ears?
Question: If I want to dramatically change the shape of my ears, not just pin them, what can be done? Answer: There are many changes that can be made to the ears with an otoplasty surgery. I am not certain how dramatic a change you are looking for but in otoplasty surgery I strive to… [Read More]
Would I be given local anesthesia for the otoplasty?
Question: I am 19 years old and would like to have an otoplasty. Would I be given local anesthesia for the procedure or just sedation? Answer: An otoplasty is not a particularly painful surgical procedure however, it may be somewhat difficult to tolerate only local anesthesia during a prolonged otoplasty. I usually suggest IV sedation… [Read More]
Can otoplasty pin my ears to a more normal position?
Question: My ears have always stuck straight out from my head. Can otoplasty pin them back so they are at a more normal position? Answer: Otoplasty is designed for the purpose of creating a naturally appearing ear. The most common reason for otoplasty surgery is to “pin back” an otherwise protruding ear into a normal… [Read More]
How are my ears protected after otoplasty?
Question: How will my ears be protected after I have otoplasty surgery? Will I have bandages put over my ears? Answer: Following otoplasty surgery I will put a full head wrap over your ears. The dressing is designed to conform to the newly created structure of the ears and to protect the ears for the… [Read More]
Is there a risk of hearing loss in a patient with otoplasty?
Question: Is there a risk for hearing loss in a patient who has otoplasty? Answer: There is absolutely no risk for hearing loss in an individual who is undergoing otoplasty surgery. The anatomy and structures responsible for hearing are far deeper in the ear than the areas of the ear that are traditionally addressed with… [Read More]
What shape of ears benefits the most from otoplasty?
Question: What type of ear shape benefits the most from an ear pinning surgery? Answer: Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, can be of benefit to almost any protruding or misshapen ear. Traditionally, otoplasty is used in those individuals with prominent ears that stick out from the head and lack the normal definition of an ear…. [Read More]