Reshape the Ears With Otoplasty Surgery in Farmington & Hartford, CT
Large, protruding, or misshapen ears are a common source of teasing. Children and adults alike often endure damaging comments about the appearance of their ears. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can reshape the ears, ensuring they complement your appearance and are in harmony with your other facial features. We perform ear surgery on patients both young and old throughout the Farmington Valley and Hartford County.
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Ear Reshaping Surgery Basics
Otoplasty, a type of ear reshaping surgery, may also be referred to as ear remodeling or ear pinning. The treatment is designed to augment the size, shape, and protrusion of the ears to better frame the face. It is often performed on children, but we also treat adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. Older and younger patients alike can benefit from an ear transformation. Otoplasty is used to treat a wide variety of ear issues. At Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery, we use ear surgery to treat:
- Ears that protrude from the sides of the head
- Ears that are significantly larger than other facial features
- Asymmetrical ears
- Congenital ear deformities
- Trauma to the ear and cauliflower ear
- Earlobe repair
- Ears that fold over on top (lop ears)
- Dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery results (otoplasty revision)
- Ear deformities from cancer (Mohs surgery)
A consultation with one of our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Seeley, can help you decide if ear pinning will benefit you or your child. Come in for an examination and consultation to learn more about your options for ear surgery in Farmington, CT, or Hartford County.
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The Otoplasty Procedure - What to Expect
Surgery to correct protruding ears begins with a small incision, placed behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear meets the head. Cartilage is repositioned or removed, as needed, and permanent sutures are placed to hold the ear in position. Other incisions may be needed for shaping and vary with each case. Any incisions on the front of the ear are placed in natural folds to minimize visibility after healing.
Since otoplasty surgery can address many different ear problems, the procedure can vary extensively. Your surgeon will give you a better idea of what to expect from your procedure during your consultation.
Otoplasty Recovery
Patients return home the same day as their procedure, often one to two hours after surgery is complete. After ear surgery, the ears are bandaged with special dressings that support the ears as they heal. This bandaging is temporary, and results from the procedure will be immediately visible after the bandaging is removed. The otoplasty headband must remain in place until the surgeon instructs otherwise. Parents must help children avoid touching the bandages, so the ears can heal properly during their otoplasty recovery. Patients should plan on missing about a week from work or school. Minor activity restrictions may be in place for about six weeks.
Ideal Candidate for Otoplasty
An ideal candidate for ear surgery is someone who is physically healthy and has realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. The procedure is suitable for both children and adults. Here are some specific criteria:
For Children
- Typically aged five or older.
- Able to follow instructions and cooperate during both the pre-operative and post-operative phases.
- Experiencing psychological distress due to the appearance of their ears, such as teasing or bullying.
For Adults
- Unhappy with the appearance of their ears due to their size, shape, or protrusion.
- Seeking improvement, not perfection, in the appearance of their ears.
- Non-smokers, as smoking can complicate both the surgery and the healing process.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries certain risks and potential side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your surgeon during your consultation. Potential risks and side effects include a change in skin sensation, asymmetry, scarring, infection, and a need for revision surgery. However, working with our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons significantly reduces these risks and side effects.
Ear Surgery and Children - What Age Can I Consider Otoplasty for My Child?
Otoplasty can be performed any time after the ears reach their full adult size. This usually occurs around five to six years of age. We find that performing the surgery early, usually before the child starts Kindergarten or first grade, can help prevent the negative consequences associated with teasing.
Ear size is only one factor in determining if a child is ready for surgery. We want our young patients to understand the procedure and to play an active role in their care. Children should be able to listen and follow directions well. Cooperation is essential for a successful procedure and to minimize complications in surgery preparation and recovery.
When preparing for ear surgery on a child, we communicate with both the parents and the patient. This is a team effort (parent, child, and surgeon) and we’ll all work together to achieve the best possible result for our patient.
Surgery on children can be difficult. Our surgeons have worked with many young children and understood how to communicate with them to alleviate fear and anxiety. Additionally, we perform our pediatric otoplasties at a free-standing children’s ambulatory surgery center, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the pediatric population We love our young patients and find that working with children is among the most rewarding work we do.
Ear surgery on children is often performed during the summer or around school holidays to minimize time missed from school. If the procedure is scheduled during the school year, patients typically miss one week of classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and does not affect hearing.
Results are lifelong. Children who receive ear surgery will retain their ear shape and placement into adulthood. We also perform revision otoplasty on adult patients who are unhappy with childhood otoplasty results.
Ear surgery incisions are carefully placed to minimize scarring. Most incisions are made on the back of the ear. Incisions are also placed in natural creases and folds on the front of the ear as needed. Most patients find their incisions are practically imperceptible after they’ve fully healed from surgery.
Some discomfort is normal after ear surgery, but post-operative pain is minimal and well-controlled with pain medication, as needed. Most children do not need prescription pain relief and can use over-the-counter options should discomfort occur.
Children with misshapen ears often endure significant teasing. Otoplasty at a young age can stop this teasing before it starts, and before a child has developed negative feelings about their appearance. Young children also have softer, more malleable cartilage. This gives the surgeon more options and flexibility for reshaping the ears.
We encourage parents to play an active role in preparation for their child’s surgery. During the consultation, we meet with both parents and the child. Parents, surgeon, and child work together for a successful procedure.
The cost of otoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and other factors. It’s best to discuss the cost during your consultation, as it can be tailored to your specific needs.
Otoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, partial coverage may be possible if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes to correct a congenital deformity. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider.
Otoplasty results are generally permanent, even though otoplasty revision surgery is possible if you’re unhappy about your primary surgery results.
It’s generally recommended to avoid sleeping on your side for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure to prevent putting pressure on the ears. Our surgeons will provide specific post-operative instructions regarding sleeping positions. You will also wear an otoplasty headband during your recovery to ensure optimal healing.
Schedule an otoplasty consultation for yourself or for your child by calling Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 676-2473. We have conveniently located offices in Farmington and Avon, CT to serve patients throughout Hartford County.
