Dr. Stephan Baker : Otoplasty - Miami Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty

Large, prominent ears can be a source of anxiety for both children and adults. Ears that are disproportionate to the head can lead to social discomfort and low self-esteem, especially in school-aged children. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your ears or feel that your child’s ears are unbalanced, ear surgery may be the right procedure. Otoplasty can pin or decrease the size of prominent ears to create a more natural and pleasing facial aesthetic.

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.

Benefits of Otoplasty

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

- Schedule a Consultation -

Addressing Any Concerns You May Have

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.

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.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Baker will personally accompany and help you carefully plan the best Otoplasty procedures for you or your child in Miami.