How Otoplasty Puts an End to Peer Ridicule
If there is one feature on your head that you don’t want to grab attention, it’s the ears. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with ears that are subtle and balanced. Many children realize very early when they have unsightly ears, which is often ears that stick out (protrude) or appear too large for the rest of the face. In fact, the ears can be a major source of peer ridicule at school. If your child is called “Dumbo” and teased frequently for protruding ears, it may be time to take action. While over-sized ears are not typically a health concern, they can certainly be a threat to your child’s emotional development and self-esteem.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the clinical term for ear surgery. It is a very straightforward and time-tested procedure that can be performed on adults as well as children who are over the age of 6. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the patient can be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. When otoplasty involves dramatic ear reshaping, it is often best to use general anesthesia. The incisions of otoplasty are well-hidden in the crease behind the ear. If protruding ears are the main concern, a portion of cartilage on the back of the ear can be removed to bring them closer to the head.
Recovering from otoplasty typically involves wearing a protective splint for two to three days and a headband for three weeks to allow the ears to heal. Minimal pain and swelling is normal but should dissipate in the first few days after your procedure. Most kids are able to return to normal activities within a week.
Common Complaints About the Ears
Just like other features of your body, the ears can develop with unattractive characteristics. Otoplasty is designed to correct the size, position or shape of the ears to help patients gain better self-confidence. This minimally-invasive surgery can address a range of congenital ear defects, including the following:
- marcotia (excessively large ears)
- prominent ear deformity
- lop ear deformity
- protruding or misshaped ears
Start with a Consultation at Beverly Hills Center
Whether you are trying to address your child’s “attention grabbing” ears before they become a source of embarrassment or you have a child that is constantly asking for new ears because they are tired of being teased at school, we invite you to learn more about otoplasty from a world-class Beverly Hills surgeon. Dr. Talei brings experience, an artistic eye and delicate hand to ear pinning surgery and other otoplasty procedures.
