Dr. Stephan Baker : Otoplasty - Miami Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty is ideal for treating ears that stick out too much
An incision is placed behind the ear, along the natural folds
A wedge of cartilage is removed, which allows the ear to sit more flush with the head
Incisions are closed and bandaged

Patients with aesthetically unappealing ears may lack the natural folds seen in other ears
Sutures and cartilage repositioning may be used to create the missing folds around the ears
Cartilage repositioning can also improve the general shape of the ear and provide a more natural placement against the head
A long, narrow strip of conchal ear cartilage may be removed to reduce the overall size of the ear

Ear surgery can include minor correction to fix the earlobes
Patients seek earlobe correction because of lobe trauma, which is typically caused by jewelry
Some patients seeking earlobe repair may have altered their lobes through gauges or other techniques
Incisions are created around the earlobe, and the tissue is pulled together and held in place with sutures

Candidates for Otoplasty

Children

Otoplasty is typically performed on children between 7 and 14 years of age. Children must have fully developed ears, which varies between patients but typically occurs around 7 years of age. Performing otoplasty on undeveloped ears can affect the quality of the results. It may be recommended that children undergo otoplasty at a young age to avoid unnecessary teasing and social complications.

Adults

Adults considering otoplasty should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Patients as young as 16 and 17 can be considered “adults” because their bodies are closer to being fully matured by this age. Ear surgery is highly successful in adults and typically has a profound impact on their self-esteem and self-image.

Immediately following your surgery, you will feel groggy from the anesthesia. You will experience bruising, redness, and swelling between two and four weeks, after which the effects should begin to subside.

A special headband is worn to protect your ears while sleeping, which is to be worn for two to three weeks. You can return to strenuous sporting activities after four weeks. It is important that you see Dr. Baker for your routine follow-up visits, at which time he will advise you as to what activities you may engage in. Minor swelling may remain for up to six weeks.

Dr. Baker places the incisions in natural folds and creases behind the ear. In most cases, visible scarring does not develop. Some patients may develop faint scarring following an earlobe repair, but this is likely to fade over time.

The exact cost of an otoplasty depends on a number of variables. The extent of correction, facility/anesthesia fees, number of follow-up visits, and geographic location all impact cost. Dr. Baker will provide you with a custom estimate during your consultation.

There may be some postoperative pain, but many patients say it lasts only three to four days. All pain can be controlled using surgeon-prescribed oral medication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr. Baker performs all surgeries in a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center that is operated by a major hospital.

What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?

Most otoplasties are performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Dr. Baker employs a board-certified anesthesiologist and registered nurse anesthetists who are specially trained in anesthesia and pediatric anesthesia located in Miami.

Why is it better to have ear surgery performed on children as soon as they are old enough?

Since younger patients typically have just entered social situations like school, correcting ear problems early on has a more positive impact on self-esteem. Most children face teasing as they get older, which can have a strong negative impact on their self-image. The goal of otoplasty in children is to give them confidence and shield them from unnecessary ridicule at school.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Candidates for Otoplasty

Children

Adults

Addressing Any Concerns You May Have

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty