Ear surgery, formally known as otoplasty, can remedy these ear problems and put the child back on the path to a typical childhood
The ears, while often overlooked, are a critical part of the human face visually. This is why disproportionate, misshapen, or protruding ears can really stand out. When it's a child with these ear issues, teasing and ridicule aren't far behind. That's why the ears can become a source of low self-esteem for a child.
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change the overall shape or position
Otoplasty is usually performed to correct overly large, protruding, or deformed ears, and make the ears look more proportionate. Surgery can also change the overall shape or position of the ears, along with defects in the ear structure that may have been present at birth. Because a child's ears are fully developed usually by age four, this is the time to have corrective surgery, before the child begins school.
Ear surgery may be a good option for your child if they:
For teens and adults, suitable candidates are:
Each ear surgery is unique in the same way each patient is. Therefore, people interested in ear surgery should ensure they are doing it because they want to and not to please or fit someone else's image of ideal beauty.
How can Ear Surgery Help You?
Otoplasty can improve your or your child's quality of life in several ways. The goal of every surgery Dr. Trovato performs is to help each patient live the life that fits them best — their personality, goals, and lifestyle are all considered.
For many patients, this can look like:
Every ear surgery is highly customized to fit the exact needs of each patient. The goals and course of action will be different in each and every case. Your or your child's appearance is unique and should be preserved and protected. Dr. Trovato wants your Dallas otoplasty procedure to enhance your life and help you live it in the most complete and fulfilled way possible.
Remove or Reshape the cartilage
An incision will be made behind the ear, which enables Dr. Trovato to remove or reshape the cartilage. This adjusts the size and position of the ears and promotes more natural-looking results. Scarring is hidden behind the ears.
A very straightforward procedure
Otoplasty is a very straightforward surgical procedure, so the risks associated with it are minimal. Otherwise, the usual risks with any surgery — bleeding, poor wound healing, and infection — are true here. During your consultation for otoplasty Dallas plastic surgeon, Dr. Trovato will discuss the risks involved.
You must inform Dr. Trovato about any medical conditions you have had or any medications or supplements you or your child are taking. Then, combined with a thorough physical assessment and your goals for the procedure, a customized treatment plan will be created specifically for you or your child.
Before the procedure, Dr. Trovato may require that you:
otoplasty can offer almost immediate results
Many Dallas otoplasty patients experience an itching sensation in their ears after surgery. But you must not scratch your ears, as the bandages must remain intact. The type of procedure dictates the length of your recovery. In the case of protruding ears, otoplasty can offer almost immediate results. As time passes, the results of the surgery will be more apparent.
At the end of your surgery, Dr. Trovato will apply bandages or dressings to the affected areas. These help keep the surgical sites clean and protected from accidental damage and help hold the ear in its new position as healing begins.
Dr. Trovato and his highly-experienced team will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your ears as they heal. This may include instructions on changing the bandages and keeping your surgical sites clean. You will be given prescriptions for any necessary medications — usually antibiotics and pain management drugs — and instructions on dosage and proper administration. He may also schedule a follow-up appointment at this time.
Your exact instructions and recovery timelines may vary, but in general, you can expect to:
Following Dr. Trovato's aftercare instructions is critical to realizing the most positive results. If you experience complications, contact our office immediately to help alleviate the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Call 214.827.2873 for our Dallas location or call (973) 509-2000 for our New Jersey location to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Otoplasty is a serious surgical procedure, so some amount of discomfort should be expected. Anesthesia is used during the operation to minimize pain, but recovery can be a painful process.
While Dr. Trovato takes every precaution to minimize adverse effects, there is still some chance of complications. These can range from relatively minor — i.e., skin discoloration and scarring — to serious — i.e., infection and blood clots. Dr. Trovato will discuss all of the potential risks with you in full during your consultation.
Scarring will depend on the extent of your specific surgery, but great effort is made to hide scars and minimize potential scars as much as possible.
Ear surgery is typically pursued on its own. However, it may be considered part of a rejuvenation strategy that can include other facial treatments (surgical or non-surgical) or skin restoration procedures.
Yes, the changes made by ear surgery are permanent. As a person ages, it is natural for their ears to change somewhat in size, shape, and position, but the results of an otoplasty procedure should last a lifetime.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an otoplasty procedure is just over $3,700. However, your cost may vary depending on your surgical plan's scope.
Ear surgery can be considered medically necessary in some cases — the threshold most insurance providers require a procedure to meet to be eligible for coverage. You will have more information after your consultation, but we encourage you to contact your provider to confirm the possibility of coverage.
Experience what it feels like to walk into a room knowing you look your best. Matthew J. Trovato MD has been Dallas’ best plastic surgery experience for nearly a decade. Discover why by scheduling a consultation today.
