Significantly prominent ears can be a source of significant psychological and emotional stress for people of all ages. Self-consciousness and bullying associated with large ears can lead to severely declined confidence, affecting social well-being and overall quality of life. While children and adults should never be harassed for their appearance, ear surgery can immensely improve the lives of those who struggle with this concern daily. The expert, board-certified plastic surgeons at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery provide some of the best otoplasty Houston has to offer so that you or your child can live a happier, more confident life.
Ear surgery (also known as otoplasty) can effectively resolve a wide range of concerns about the appearance of your ears, including size, prominence, asymmetry, or those related to shape. Your ear transformation can enhance the proportions of your appearance, complementing your facial features rather than detract from them. The highly experienced Houston plastic surgeons at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery can help you achieve less noticeable, natural-looking ears.
Otoplasty may be an excellent treatment option for patients of any age whose lives are adversely affected by the appearance of their ears. Candidates for otoplasty must be in good overall health and not smoke. It is also important that you have a positive outlook and feel excited about your procedure and life after ear surgery.
You can do several things in the weeks leading up to your otoplasty to ensure a smooth procedure and the best possible results.
For two weeks before your surgery, you should avoid any medications or substances that could increase your risk of bleeding. This includes NSAIDs, certain vitamins and herbs, and smoking. You may also fill your pain relief prescription to have your medication on hand immediately after your procedure. You should also make sure that a close friend or relative will be available to drive you home, as you will be groggy from anesthesia.
The anesthesia your surgeon will use for your Houston otoplasty will depend on your age. While adults can undergo ear surgery with local anesthesia, young children will need general anesthesia for their procedure.
Your surgeon will create an incision just behind each ear. Then, they will meticulously sculpt the cartilage to create an improved appearance and symmetry. If you would like to reduce the size of your ears, your surgeon may remove skin and cartilage. If you are unhappy with the protrusion of your ears, your surgeon can reposition them so that they lie closer to your head. Once your surgeon has created your ideal look, they will close your incisions and apply a gauze head wrap around your head to keep your ears protected as they heal. You will be able to leave soon after your surgery to recover at home.
You should plan to stay home from work or school for a minimum of five days after your procedure to allow your body ample time to recover.
You can alleviate any pain or discomfort during this time with your prescribed pain medication. Your gauze dressing will need to stay on for one week, after which you can wear a soft headband that covers your ears to ensure that they stay in their proper position and retain their newly formed shape. For the duration of your recovery, you should avoid extreme heat, strenuous activity, sleeping on your side, and shampooing your hair.
You will also need to keep your head elevated, including while you sleep. You can expect to return to your normal daily activity around one week after surgery and rigorous activities after three weeks. Your surgeon may also provide you with additional instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.
You will realize your full results as soon as you heal. Until then, you can look forward to a more balanced appearance and freedom from the self-consciousness you may have experienced as a result of overly prominent or large ears.
If you would like to learn more about otoplasty with one of our skilled and renowned Houston plastic surgeons, please contact our office to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve an enhanced quality of life and the exceptional results for which our practice is known.
Ear surgery is less effective on children whose ear cartilage has not stabilized. This usually happens between the ages of five and seven. Your surgeon can assess your child’s ears to determine if they are developed enough for surgery.
No. The incisions created during ear surgery are small and well-concealed behind the ears so that your results will look completely natural.
The Clinic for Plastic Surgery loves to be a part of our patients’ journeys. That starts with a consultation. No matter which path you choose, you will feel more knowledgeable and confident about your decision after a meeting with our board-certified Houston plastic surgeons. Schedule a consultation today.