According to theAmerican Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ear surgery, also known asotoplasty, was the most commonly performed procedure for those ages 18 and under in 2014.
For this procedure,Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists typically treats children between the ages of four and 14, though adults can also elect to have the procedure done to fix issues that may have plagued them during their own childhood or to remedy a recent problem.
Otoplasty can help with:
- Bringing proportion to the face if ears "stick out"
- Correcting folded ear tips (lop ear)
- Enhancing smaller ears or other congenital defects
- Reshaping long or offset earlobes
- Remedying an accidental injury, including something as serious as losing an ear.
ASAPS statistics indicate that over 36,000 ear surgery procedures were performed in 2014. Under 10,000 of these were performed on children.Nearly 68 percent of women chose to undergo the procedure, compared to just 32.2 percent of men.
Ear surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia for adults.
The procedure begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. This allows the cartilagelocated behind the ears to be reshaped, in order to position ears closer to the patient's head.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours for the average, but this can vary depending on the patient's unique circumstances and desired outcome.Once the surgery is completed, bandages will be wrapped around the head,to secure the ears in place during the healing process. These are usually removed within a week and replaced with other dressings.
As with any major surgery, plenty of rest and limited movement is recommendedduring recovery.
To learn more about an ear surgery procedure, schedule a consultationwith dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. James Marotta, or visit our website.
