Those born with overly prominent or protruding ears are often the target of teasing and cruel jokes. Ear surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to enhance the appearance of the ears and to prevent the possibility of psychological damage from teasing or poor self-image.
Medically referred to as otoplasty, ear surgery can be used to enhance the appearance of the external ear; earlobe shape, projection or to reconstruct th ears following trauma, surgery or birth deformities.
Adults and children alike who feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their ears may benefit significantly from ear surgery. Candidates for ear surgery should be healthy and have fully developed ears, which usually occurs around 5-6 years of age.
The best candidates are non-smoking, in good health and possess realistic expectations. Torrance plastic surgeon Dr. Khattab will be able to determine if ear surgery is right for you or your child following a one-on-one consultation at Beyond Beautiful.
The consultation: In order to have a good consultation, you will need to be honest and upfront about every aspect of your health. This includes current or former medical conditions, current drugs or supplements and physical activities that you participate in. This information, combined with your cosmetic goals will help Dr. Khattab determine if ear surgery is right for you.
Surgery: Ear surgery is an outpatient procedure typically performed in 1-3 hours. General anesthesia or intravenous sedation will be administered prior to surgery. The nature of ear surgery varies, depending on the specific problems requiring correction. During ear angle adjustment, incisions are concealed behind the ear. Cartilage and tissue are removed and the ear position is adjusted. Permanent sutures will then be placed to maintain the new position of the ears.
Recovery: When you wake up from surgery, you may experience some swelling, pain and bruising. You will need to wear a large compression bandage around your head for the first week of recovery. Recovery times vary, but most patients are able to resume work and school routines within a week. Children should opt out of physical education classes and contact sports for at least three weeks.
Results: The goal of ear surgery is to enhance the natural proportions of the face and restore a sense of facial balance. Following a full recovery, your ears will appear symmetrical with one another and will emerge from your head at a more normal angle, without giving your ears a pinned-back appearance. Ear surgery will provide permanent improvement and in most cases, only one procedure is necessary to achieve optimal results.
If you’re ready to learn more about ear surgery, call 310-325-2100 or email us to inquire about a consultation with Dr. Khattab. Beyond Beautiful is located at 23365 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 102, in Torrance, CA. Since 1988, we have been providing excellent care to patients from nearby Torrance, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, and beyond.
