What is Otoplasty (Ear Reduction Surgery)?
Otoplasty, or “ear pinning”, is done to reshape one or both ears. Ear surgery is a cosmetic surgery that we commonly perform to correct developmental abnormalities of the ear(s). Otoplasty also includes ear lobe reduction/repair and cauliflower ear surgery to reduce or recontour excess skin/cartilage.
Why Choose Otoplasty (Ear Reduction Surgery)?
The ears are a focal point of the face, because of this, prominent ears can effect patient’s self esteem and confidence. The cartilaginous framework of the ear is subject to many types of developmental abnormalities including: lop ear, cup ear, and also stahls ear. Typically the surgery is performed in children between the ages of 4 and 14. The common problems fixed with otoplasty include ears that 1. Lack the fold along the inner part of the ear (anti-helical fold) as well as an ear that protrudes too far out from the head. Otoplasty surgery can re-create the natural folds of the cartilage and pin the ears back into a normal and less conspicuous position.
Am I a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Patients that feel they have protruding ears or odd-shaped ears may benefit from otoplasty or ear reduction surgery. During the consultation, plastic surgeon Dr. Lozada will go over the areas of concern and then discuss potential surgical options. We will make sure to answer any and all questions you have regarding the procedure as well as the recovery. So if you want to learn more about Otoplasty, please request a consultation.
The Otoplasty Procedure?
We can perform Ear Surgery under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours. The surgeon places all incisions behind the ear and hidden. Internal sutures are the ones we use in order to reposition the ears, as well as to create the desired contour, shape and position of the ear cartilage. There’s the occasional need for us to excise excess cartilage to achieve a smaller ear size and get the ears closer to the head.
Recovering from Ear Reduction Surgery
We perform this surgery in an outpatient basis and patients go home the same day. The patient will have a dressing/head wrap in place that will come off the following day. They will then wear a head band for a few days after surgery and then only at nighttime for a few weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Also, please avoid contact sports for 6 weeks.
The first two weeks after surgery you will see an improvement in the swelling and also bruising that can occur after surgery. After 1 week any residual bruising should be easy to conceal with makeup and patients generally feel more comfortable to be outside the house. Since this is an outpatient procedure, there are no restrictions aside from avoiding strenuous activity and exercise for 2 weeks after surgery.
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- Hayden Mink
Otoplasty FAQs
If you live near Philadelphia, PA, Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery offers Otoplasty among its services and is also conveniently located at 1608 Walnut Street 9th Floor Suite 902B, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Kirk Lozada?
Dr. Lozada is a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgeon. Dr. Lozada is committed to providing the highest quality aesthetic and reconstructive services for all his patients in the Philadelphia area and New Jersey.
At our office a personalized treatment plan is essential and we allow sufficient time during consultation to develop a unique understanding of each patient’s desires. Dr. Lozada completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has trained with the top American Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
Dr. Kirk Lozada is currently a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of facial plastic surgery. Please contact the office and schedule a consultation today!
