Otoplasty, or ear correction surgery, is primarily done to move protruding or prominent ears closer to a person’s head or to diminish large-sized ears. This surgery can also help modify stretched or large earlobes or ones with significant wrinkles or creases. Today, doctors can construct new ears for individuals who may have lost them in an accident or even born without them.
Other serious ear issues that surgery can help correct include the following:
- Shell Ear: The curve in the ear’s outer rim is missing along with the natural creases and fold
- Cupped Ear: A very tiny ear
- Lop Ear: The tip of the ear appears to fold down
Otoplasty is mainly done on young children aged 8-15 years old. The procedure is mostly performed to reduce the risk of the young, impressionable child being exposed to cruel bullying at school or in other social settings. Adults can have ear surgery as well but generally have no other risks related to the procedure itself. In general, otoplasty can offer numerous benefits for a person, both emotionally and physically.
Here are the main benefits that otoplasty can offer:
Corrects Numerous Issues
One of the most popular reasons people get an otoplasty procedure is to improve the visual appearance of their ears. Reconstructive and cosmetic ear surgery is performed to treat a number of deformities, such as cupped, folded, protruding, ‘cauliflower’, large, or very small ears.
Restores Self-Confidence
Many people with damaged or abnormally shaped ears can suffer from low self-esteem. Sadly, young children are common targets of extreme bullying and are constantly teased by other children due to the shape and/or size of their ears. In fact, research shows that individuals with different-looking ears have significantly less confidence and overall self-esteem. However, otoplasty can restore the confidence for these people by permanently correcting their ear problems.
Renews the Sense of ‘Normalcy’
Reshaping and ear pinning surgery can provide a number of psychological and physical benefits for people with ear issues. After the procedure, most patients feel an intense emotional release after their bandages are removed along with a strong sense of normalcy once again.
Otoplasty is Reasonably Safe
Today’s innovative otoplasty treatment is one of the safest types of surgery available. In fact, most adult patients only need a mild anesthetic during the procedure. However, it’s always safer for young children to use anesthesia during the surgery for best results.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Otoplasty Procedure?
For the most part, healthy children and adults with irregularly shaped ears are target candidates for the surgery. In addition, it’s crucial that the patient keeps an open mind with realistic expectations concerning the results of the surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or your child has misshapen or overly large ears, otoplasty surgery may be the solution. At Thomas Funcik Facial Plastic Surgery, we work with each patient individually to determine the most effective treatment plan for his or her needs. Doctor Thomas Funcik specializes in facial plastic surgery, and can help you get the results you want. Contact Thomas Funcik Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.