Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure done to reposition and resize your ears. It is also called ear pinning surgery. Some people may have oddly shaped, asymmetrical ears which they wish to correct through Otoplasty. The surgery can give your ears a more natural look and improved shape, helping you feel more confident about your overall appearance. This procedure is done on both children and adults. This blog delves into Otoplasty as a plastic surgery, informing you of every detail related to this procedure. Read on.
Why is Otoplasty Done?
The procedure of otoplasty is done mainly to correct the following issues:
- Asymmetrical Ears- If you’re one ear differs from the other in shape and size this procedure is done.
- Prominent Ears- If your ears look more prominent than needed and stick out unusually this procedure is done.
- Congenital Defects & Ear Injuries- Through surgery, deformity due to ear trauma or congenital defects such as microtia can be corrected.
The Various Otoplasty Types
Some of the common otoplasty types are:
- Ear Reduction- If your ears are unusually oversized this type of otoplasty is done to reduce the size of your ears.
- Ear Pinning- This type of otoplasty involves the pinning back of your ears to correct their odd prominence.
- Reconstruction of Deformed Ears- In the case of traumatic ear injuries or birth defects leading to deformed ears, reconstructive otoplasty is done. The surgery encompasses both partial and complete ear reconstruction.
How to Proceed for the Otoplasty Surgery?
If you want to get the Otoplasty surgery done in NYC, the first step is to consult a certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, your doctor will take your medical history, discuss the goals with you, and review your condition to understand whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgical procedure. The doctor will also give you tips to prepare you for the surgery in case he decides to treat you surgically. An experienced plastic surgery in New York City might ask you to stay away from alcohol and certain medications for a couple of days before the surgery.
Otoplasty is a short-duration surgery that takes about one to two hours. It is mostly an outpatient procedure during which the surgeon makes a small incision behind the ears to reach the cartilage for remodeling or resizing. Once done, the plastic surgeon seals the incision with appropriate sutures.
Post surgery the patient will have a bandage over the operated ear or ears. The bandage acts as a protective cover keeping infection-causing germs away from the surgical wound. Additionally, antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of infection. Also, painkillers may be given for pain management.
The Takeaway
Whether done on children or adults, this surgery can make you confident about your appearance and the shape of your ears. This surgery is an easy way to get naturally shaped ears in complete harmony with your other facial features. The recovery period is usually short, ranging from one to two weeks for most patients. If you are in NYC and wish to get an otoplasty done, feel free to contact Dr Nilay Shah, a well-known plastic surgeon in New York City.
