Enhance the Shape or Symmetry of Your Ears with Otoplasty
For patients who are self-conscious about ears that stick out or are misshaped, Northshore Plastic Surgery offers otoplasty. During otoplasty surgery, Dr. Benjamin Boudreaux and Dr. Jeffrey Claiborne will reposition your ears to enhance your facial proportions. Through a range of different techniques, otoplasty can alter the shape, size, location, and overall appearance of your ears. To learn more about otoplasty, contact our New Orleans, LA-area practice and schedule a personal consultation for you or your child.
Candidates for Otoplasty
Anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their ears may be a viable candidate for otoplasty. Otoplasty can correct how far ears stick out from the head, ears that are large in proportion to the head, and ears that are misshaped due to injury or birth defect.
This surgery is often performed on young children, but adults can also benefit. However, this cosmetic surgery can only be performed on patients whose ear cartilage has reached a stage of growth at which it is stable enough to be corrected.
Those considering otoplasty must not have a life threatening illness or any medical condition that could compromise the healing process. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will conduct a thorough exam and consultation to determine whether otoplasty is a suitable procedure for you.
Overview of the Procedure
During the initial consultation, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will discuss the aspects of the procedure, including whether you would prefer a sedative or general anesthesia. An ear pinning or ear reshaping procedure will begin with Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Claiborne making a precise incision to the back of the ear and then reshaping the cartilage and removing excess skin.
Post-surgery swelling will typically diminish within 72 hours, and most patients are completely comfortable and confident with their new look within one week.
Depending on the amount of correction your ear requires, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will perform either a cartilage scoring or cartilage sparing surgical technique. Cartilage scoring involves creating incisions in the cartilage to rearrange, add, or remove tissue. Cartilage sparing uses non-removable stitches to change the ear’s position or shape. If your otoplasty is bilateral, the same technique will be used on both ears.
For ear reduction surgery, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will remove excess skin and cartilage to design a smaller, more natural-looking ear. This is typically an outpatient procedure that can be combined with ear pinning. Post-surgery swelling will typically diminish within 72 hours, and most patients are completely comfortable and confident with their new look within one week.
Otoplasty Benefits
There are a number of benefits for otoplasty patients, but its primary purpose is increasing your self-confidence. Other benefits include:
- Diverse options: An array of surgeries including ear reduction, ear pinning, and ear shaping
- Quick recovery: Downtime during recovery is generally less than one week
- Improved appearance: You decide how your ears will look, and there is usually minimal scarring at the treatment site
While the risks include scarring, over-correction, asymmetric ear placement, and changes in skin sensation, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne commit to the long-term health of their patients and will review all surgical options, potential outcomes, and risks with you during your consultation.
Learn More about Otoplasty
Northshore Plastic Surgery strives to offer the highest level of care, while respecting your individual needs. We care about your long-term health and want to help you meet your aesthetic goals. To learn more about otoplasty, schedule your consultation today.
