Otoplasty / Eartuck
Protruding or misshapen ears are a source of great self-consciousness. Young people especially suffer as others make fun of them. Ear surgery or otoplasty is a way to reshape the ears or “pin” them back so that they no longer protrude.
Otoplasty is performed on both children and adults and can be done as soon as the ears have stopped growing, which is usually around age six. In some cases, the surgery can be very intricate and requires special expertise on the part of your surgeon.
Dr. Stephen E. Small, D.O. has many years of experience performing ear surgeries, whether ear pinning procedures, reducing the size of the ears, making the ears better match one another, reshaping misshapen ears, or repairing ear injuries.
The Otoplasty / Ear Surgery Procedure
Ear pinning involves recontouring the ear by reshaping it or bringing the ear closer to the scalp or head to correct the protrusion.
Other types of ear surgeries are customized depending on what you wish to alter about your ears. Dr. Small will consult with you in detail about what you wish to change and what can realistically be accomplished through otoplasty. He will discuss the goals of the procedure with you in detail so that you know exactly what to expect. Often incisions can be placed in discreet places, such as within the folds of the ears or behind the ear making them essentially invisible.
Recovering from Otoplasty
Most patients can return to work or school within a week after otoplasty. You will have to wear bandages on your ears during that first week at least, and you will be restricted from using ear buds until your ears have healed. You must also sleep on your back for a period of time. Elevating your head will help to keep swelling to a minimum.
Dr. Small will keep a close watch on your progress and will tell you everything you need to know to heal well. This will include avoiding certain things like alcohol, hair dryers, curling irons, and exercise for a little while.
Contact Ocean Plastic Surgery P.A. and Laser Center today to find out more about how otoplasty can improve the look of your ears or the ears of your child. At our Toms River and Manahawkin locations, we serve patients from all over the New Jersey Shore and beyond, including Stafford Township, Barnegat, Lacey, Berkeley, Dover Township, Brick, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Jackson, Howell, Wall, Freehold, Manalapan, and Point Pleasant.