Otoplasty
Otoplasty in Austin, TX | Restora Austin Surgery Centre
Are you embarrassed by your ears? Do you get teased because of their unique appearance?
If your ears stick out or are too large for your face, come see the skilled plastic surgeons at Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre. We perform cosmetic ear surgery on children, teens, and adults in Austin, TX. Call our office at 512-371-8817 to learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dustin Reid or Dr. Ashley Gordon.
Understanding Otoplasty
Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery for reshaping the ears. It is also called ear pinning or ear remodeling. Ear surgery corrects a variety of aesthetic complaints, including ears that stick out too far from the head, ears that are too large, or ears that are misshapen.
Our surgeons use a variety of techniques to shape, mold, and remodel the ears. Our ear surgery treatments can correct:
- Asymmetry, when one ear is significantly different than the other in size, shape, or position
- Ears that are out of proportion with other facial features
- Ears that protrude or stick out
- Ear deformities and birth defects
- Cauliflower ear, a bumpy disfiguration that can occur after ear trauma
- Earlobe repair, including repairing damage from gauging
- Injury or damage to the outer ear
- Lop ears, ears that fold down from the top
- Ear deformities from cancer
Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgeries performed on children. Many adults receive otoplasty surgery too. If you’re unhappy with the size, shape, or protrusion of your ears, contact us to learn more about otoplasty in Austin.
What Happens During an Otoplasty Procedure?
We can customize ear surgery to each patient’s needs. We’ll work with you to create a surgical plan that addresses your concerns. Our surgeons have earned a reputation for their communication and focus on patient education. We welcome questions and are available to address any concerns.
This procedure is usually an outpatient surgery, which means you’ll return home the same day. Since anesthesia medications can make you groggy, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your procedure.
Otoplasty surgery typically involves placing incisions behind the ears. This incision placement provides good access, without a lot of visible scarring. If additional incisions are necessary, our surgeons will hide them in the folds and creases of the ear. From the front, most patients have no visible scars. Any scars that do occur are well-hidden.
During otoplasty, your doctor reshapes and sculpts each ear. Your surgeon may use a few sutures to position the ear closer to the head. We typically operate on both ears for symmetry, but some patients will only need surgery on one ear. The otoplasty procedure takes approximately two to three hours to complete.
After surgery, the surgeon bandages the ears. We carefully monitor patients for one to two hours in recovery, after which they are ready to return home.
Recovery After Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Most patients recover quickly from ear surgery, but it is essential to protect the ears. We’ll provide tips and detailed instructions for the recovery process.
- We often use a protective headwrap over the ears. Patients wear this cover for six to eight weeks, and it helps support the ears while they heal.
- Sleep on your back during healing, not on your side.
- Avoid hitting or bumping the ears. Be gentle with them as they heal.
- You may feel some discomfort, but recovery shouldn’t be painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers are effective for most patients. Let your surgeon know if you’re experiencing pain.
You’ll meet with your surgeon a few times during recovery to monitor healing. Reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Austin Ear Surgery and Children: Is My Child Ready for Otoplasty?
Many children are good candidates for ear pinning surgery. Our surgeons will work with you and your child throughout the surgical process.
We typically wait until the ears have reached their adult size before considering surgery. For most children, surgery can occur as early as five to six years old. Many children receive the surgery early, before starting school, to reduce the amount of teasing experienced.
A child’s mental readiness is important when determining if it is the right time for surgery. Children should be able to listen, communicate their desires, and follow directions. During recovery, your child will be responsible for protecting their ears and leaving the bandaging alone. They need to be able and willing to cooperate if we’re going to have a successful procedure.
We realize that for many children, this will be their first surgery. Our surgeons love working with children and communicating with them to alleviate fears and concerns. We want this to be a successful and empowering experience for your child.
Since most children will need one to two weeks of recovery time, parents usually prefer to schedule otoplasty on children over the summer or during school holidays to minimize missed school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty in Austin, TX
Will Otoplasty Affect My Hearing?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure. We only operate on the outer ear. This procedure will not affect your hearing.
How Long Do Results of Ear Surgery Last?
Otoplasty permanently reshapes the ear. If you desire further adjustment, you can have revision otoplasty performed in the future.
Why Should I Consider Otoplasty for My Child?
Otoplasty can significantly cut down on teasing and negative feelings about appearance when performed early on children. Additionally, the cartilage in children’s ears is softer and more malleable. Our surgeons can more readily shape the ears of young children.
Is Ear Surgery Painful?
Discomfort after ear surgery is minimal and easy to manage with pain medications. Most patients, including children, will not need prescription pain medicines and can control discomfort using over-the-counter medications.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Austin, TX?
Ear surgery costs vary. Come in for a consultation to receive an estimate for the cost of your procedure.
Learn more about ear surgery in Austin, TX by contacting Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre. Our board-certified otoplasty surgeons have helped countless children, teens, and adults in Texas improve the appearance of their ears. Also, be sure to ask us for our otoplasty before and after photo gallery to see some of our patients’ actual transformations!
