Ear Surgery in Albany
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Overview
The most common candidates for ear surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York are children who have protruding, misshapen or noticeably prominent ears. But ear surgery is also performed on adults who have similar ear problems and want to achieve a more natural profile.
It can be very difficult for children who are not comfortable with the look of their ears. Kids can be very cruel with what they say about other kids who don't look "normal". We've all heard the taunts and name-calling. It's difficult for parents to see their children's feelings hurt that way. That's why it's important to stay aware of your child's feelings. But it is also important not to try to force your child to have the procedure. Let your child express his or her own feelings. Then discuss the corrective opportunities. A child who is accepting of having ear surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will be happier with the results of the surgery.
Having a private consultation with one of the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York about ear surgery is the first step. Call The Plastic Surgery today to arrange your consultation or send us an email using our discreet online form.
The Procedure
Ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, if the surgery is more involved than usual, the surgery may be performed in a hospital and a brief hospital stay will be required, but this is rare.
In most cases, children undergoing ear surgery will be given a general anesthetic so that they will be completely asleep during the procedure. Adults having ear surgery with one of the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York will usually receive a local anesthetic for the procedure.
Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours and involves the plastic surgeon making small incisions behind the ear then reshaping the cartilage and repositioning the ear closer to the head. Sometimes some of the cartilage is removed. In other cases, the plastic surgeon eliminates some of the skin behind the ear and the cartilage is repositioned without any of it being removed. Your surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will discuss these different types of surgical procedures with you and determine which will be the best method for you or for your child's particular needs.
Otoplasty patient shown before surgery with protruding ears.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Three stages of surgery seen from the back of the ear.
Surgery is as follows:
- Incisions are made and a small portion of skin, sometimes with underlying fat, is removed.
- The cartilage is recontoured to bring the ear into its correct position and supported with sutures.
- Sutures close the incisions, leaving a faint scar.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
Surgery seen from the front of the ear.
Reshaped cartilage restores the ear fold,
making the ear lie flatter against the head.
After surgery, ears are normal in appearance.
Recovering
Following ear surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York most patients are up and around in just a couple of hours. There may be some discomfort and soreness around the ears. This is normal and your plastic surgeon can prescribe medications that will help ease this discomfort.
For the first few days following ear surgery, the patient's head will be wrapped in a bandage that will help protect the surgical area and help keep the repositioning of the ear in place for the initial healing process. After a few days these bandages will be removed and replaced by a lightweight band type of bandage that your plastic surgeon will provide instructions about wearing. Any stitches that were placed during the surgery will usually be taken out within a week or so.
Returning to school and to work will be possible in about a week following ear surgery. It's important to avoid any activities that might cause the ears to be bent, such as sports or wearing headwear, for about a month. Patients will be scheduled for follow-up visits at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany to monitor the healing process following ear surgery.
Potential Risks and Complications
Complications following ear surgery are usually minor. In rare cases, a blood clot might form in the area of the surgical incision. Usually this will correct itself, or it can be corrected easily by your plastic surgeon. In other rare cases, some patients might develop a slight infection in the cartilage that can be treated with a medication prescribed by your Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group. Over all, ear surgery is a relatively risk-free procedure that yields great physical and emotional results for the patient.
Common Questions About Cosmetic Ear Surgery
How do I know if ear surgery can help me?
The best way to determine if you're a good candidate for ear surgery is to make an appointment with one of the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York. He or she will discuss the options available to you and will answer all of your questions.
How old should my child be before having ear surgery?
Usually a child's ear is fully grown and developed by the time they reach the age of four years old. Any time after that is appropriate for ear surgery. Discuss this will your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group, serving the Schenectady and Albany area of New York.
Will there be visible scars?
Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will make every effort to hide any scarring from ear surgery. In most cases, incisions are small and made behind the ear. Over time, scars will fade and become nearly invisible. Your plastic surgeon will explain all of this to you during your consultation.
I have small, oddly shaped ears. Can ear surgery help me?
Yes, ear surgery can correct a variety of ear disfigurements. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will examine your ears and discuss the different types of corrective surgeries available to you.
To find out more about ear surgery in Albany, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
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