Otoplasty Anti Aging Cosmetic Treatment

Probably no other physical characteristic cries out for facial plastic surgery more than protruding ears.  Children, long the victims of cruel nicknames like “Dumbo” or “Mickey Mouse,” are the most likely candidates for otoplasty, but this surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age.  Even if the ears are only mildly distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness and poor adaptation to school.  When it comes to otoplasty, conventional wisdom is the earlier the better.

Adults may also benefit from this procedure, which improves self-esteem with relative ease.  Often, adults choose this surgery in conjunction with other facial plastic surgical procedures.  Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical.

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• Is Otoplasty for you?

  General good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also important to understand the surgery. Otoplasty will not alter hearing ability. What is important for successful otoplasty is that the ears be in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head.
  
  When considering otoplasty, parents must be confident that they have their child's best interest at heart. A positive attitude toward the surgery is an important factor in all facial plastic surgery, but it is especially critical when the patient is a child or adolescent. 
  
  Adult candidates for otoplasty should understand the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears does not provide the same molding capacity as in children. A consultation with our board-certified facial plastic surgeons can help parents decide what is best for their child, not only aesthetically, but also psychologically and physically. Timing is always an important consideration. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable in two respects: the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping; and secondly, the child will experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.
  
  Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve birth defects or traumatic injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for the information on the degree of coverage.

• How is the surgery performed?

  Surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until health occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.

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