Otoplasty - Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Michigan
Otoplasty, cosmetic surgery to the outer ear, is one of the few procedures commonly performed on children. By about age four, ears are almost fully grown. As such, many parents and children choose an otoplasty procedure to correct issues with oversized or protruding ears while the child is still young, as the condition will generally not be outgrown or improve with time.
Although otoplasty procedures are, of course, available for adults and older teens, most procedures are performed on children between four and fourteen years old.
This cosmetic ear procedure is most often done under local anesthetic and twilight IV sedation, although general anesthesia may be used on younger children so they are able to sleep through the procedure.
While there are a variety of techniques in current use, the most common procedure involves reshaping the cartilage and excising excess skin at the back of the ear.
In most procedures, the surgeon makes a very small incision at the back of the ear through which the cartilage making up the ear is carefully reshaped to achieve the desired shape and size.
During the recovery period, it is important that the patient carefully follow the surgeon's instructions for cleaning and dressing the area, and avoid any activities that might damage or bend the ear. The recovery process is usually completed within a month following the surgery.
If you have any other questions about cosmetic ear surgery, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment for a consultation in the Michigan area, please email us or give us a call at (616) 454-1256 if you're local to Grand Rapids, Michigan, or toll free at (800) 968-7474.
