A Matter of Maturity

Typically, when we are discussing cosmetic plastic surgery, we point out the importance of emotional maturity, as well as physical maturity. For instance, rhinoplasty is typically not performed until at least the age of 15, sometimes years later. This is because the nose matures through the teen years, and we do not want to alter its structure before the completion of physical development. Whether or not a young person has the emotional maturity to manage the somewhat long recovery from rhinoplasty varies from one to another. Otoplasty does not follow this standard.

The ears reach physical maturity between the ages of 4 and 5, in most cases. A child has relatively little time with protruding or abnormally shaped ears and so is less likely to experience emotional distress due to the physical change in appearance. In fact, emotional wellness is one of the leading reasons why parents seek otoplasty for younger children.

To have otoplasty before starting school can mean a completely different social experience for the child with large and extruding ears. Parents fears that their child may be bullied are alleviated when the ears are carefully reshaped, and the child is better able to grow up with a strong sense of self-esteem. Additionally, the malleability of cartilage in a child’s ears facilitates a smoother reshaping process.

The greatest challenge in otoplasty in the young child is recovering. Not because it is painful, but because a headband-like bandage must be worn for a short time, and the child cannot sleep on either side until the ears have healed. Strategies must be implemented to support back-sleeping.

Otoplasty may be a procedure that we like to discuss during childhood, but that does not mean an adult cannot undergo this procedure. Any time that a procedure will support a better sense of wellness is a good time to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.

Call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Trussler.

The post Is There a Right Time for Otoplasty? appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

• effacement of the upper fold of the ear
• enlargement of the conchal bowl
• combination of the two

Prominence can be mistaken for cupping or constriction of the ear, which may require a different operation for correction. In order to correct the prominent ear, the cause of the prominence should be identified and usually 2 out of the 4 causes should be addressed in order to give a natural and long lasting correction.

The otoplasty operation can be performed at earliest at the 5th year of age, in between kindergarten and the first grade, but can be performed at any point after this age. Adults seeking otoplasty or ear pinning, can have this done under local anesthesia; however children usually require general anesthesia to alleviate anxiety of the operation.

The otoplasty operation usually takes under two hours and is an outpatient operation/procedure. The ear prominence is corrected through an incision in the back of the ear, which enable folding, suturing and reducing the ear prominence. The sutures are internal and usually a simple headband dressing is all that is needed. This is removed in one week and then I ask my patients to sleep in an athletic head-band for 3 weeks. School can be resumed in one week and athletics in 3 weeks after an otoplasty procedure. Scarring is usually minimal and the most common risk is partial recurrence of the prominence. An otoplasty consultation with photographs is an important component to proceeding with an otoplasty, or ear pinning, which can be done in Dr. Trussler’s office in Austin, Texas.

The post Otoplasty: Natural Shape to the Prominent Ear appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.