Known also as cosmetic ear surgery, otoplasty alters the shape, position, or size of the ears. Otoplasty is a good choice if you are bothered by the distance between your ears and your head. If you suffer from injury or have a birth defect that results in a misshapen ear, you may want to consider otoplasty surgery. After the ears reach their full size – usually after age 5 – otoplasty can be performed at any age. Splinting may be effective in correcting prominent ears and certain ear-shape problems if started shortly after birth.

Occasionally, the procedure is performed under sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only a portion of your body. Alternatively, you may be given general anesthesia before your procedure, which renders you unconscious.

A variety of otoplasty techniques are available depending on what kind of correction is needed. Your plastic surgeon’s choice of technique will determine where your incisions will be made and how they will appear. Your ears will be protected and supported by bandages after otoplasty.

You may experience some discomfort and itchiness. Consult your doctor for pain medication recommendations. Contact your doctor immediately if you are taking pain medication and your discomfort is increasing. The bandages will be removed by your doctor a few days after your otoplasty. You will likely experience swelling and redness in your ears. For a few weeks, you may need to wear a loose headband to cover your ears at night. By doing this, you will be able to keep your ears from pulling forward when you roll over in bed.

It won’t take you long to notice a difference in the appearance of your ears once your bandages are removed. The changes are permanent, consult your surgeon about revision surgery if you’re not satisfied with your results.

People of all ages undergo otoplasty as a cosmetic procedure. Younger children with large or misshapen ears are most likely to have this condition. The best interests of your child are your top priority as a parent. At such a young age, it is understandable that you would be concerned about them undergoing a cosmetic procedure. When performed on a younger child, otoplasties are completely safe and more beneficial.

It is best to perform an otoplasty on young children whose ears are fully developed. About five years old is the typical age for this to occur. It is possible to perform otoplasties on adults, but most plastic surgeons recommend otoplasties for children while they are younger to minimize risk and speed up healing time.

In addition, recovering from an otoplasty at a younger age can be more comfortable and easier. A smoother otoplasty recovery is often achieved by children due to their faster healing rate. Also, children do not recall their recovery from surgery as much as they would if they were older.

Otoplasties should only be performed on children who request it. Children who want to have surgery on their ears and are insecure about their ears are the most cooperative during surgery. Even though you may want your child to have surgery when he or she is young, it is much more beneficial to wait until they are eager and excited to have the surgery.

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is a cosmetic procedure that can quickly enhance self-confidence and restore a more natural appearance to the ears. In addition to improving the appearance of protruding ears, ear reshaping (otoplasty) may also correct deformities of the ear. Additionally, the procedure may correct a heavy neck or double chin.

Otoplasty can be worth it for many patients by helping them look and feel better. At Altman Aesthetic Center, we strive to provide precision in surgical treatment to help restore a more youthful, smoother, firmer, and revitalized appearance. We serve patients from Englewood Cliffs NJ, Tenafly NJ, Cresskill NJ, Alpine NJ, Fort Lee NJ, Englewood Cliffs NJ and surrounding areas.