EAR SURGERY
OVERVIEW
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, generally lasts two to three hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. The type of anesthesia used typically depends on the age of the patient. General anesthesia is recommended for very young patients; local anesthesia and a sedative may be used for older children and adults.
Although the operation is most often performed on children aged four to fourteen, this procedure can be very beneficial to people of all ages.
CANDIDATES
Candidates for otoplasty may be those who feel self-conscious about their ears and want to improve their appearance. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and early surgery can prevent a child from being teased in school.
It is also important that you are in good general health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. Dr. Vega will discuss with you your otoplasty goals so that you understand what can be achieved by the surgery.
EAR SURGERY PROCEDURE
The otoplasty procedure begins with a small incision made behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. The cartilage is then sculpted and bent into its new position to achieve the desired appearance. In some types of otoplasty, skin is removed but the cartilage is left in one piece and merely bent back on itself for a smaller-looking ear.
After sculpting the cartilage to the preferred shape, sutures are used to hold the ear in the new position until healing is complete. A bandage is then wrapped around the head to secure the new positioning. To achieve better balance, both ears may be operated on even if only one has a problem.
EAR SURGERY RECOVERY
BEFORE AND AFTER
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Dr. Ricardo Vega is an international renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with private practice in Tijuana, Mexico for over 20 years. He has spent a lifetime getting the expertise, education, training and practice with over thousands of procedures throughout his career… SEE MORE
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