Some people's ears are larger than normal, have an unusual shape, or protrude prominently from the sides of the head. This can make them suffer from low self-esteem, embarrassment, and social anxiety because of their ears. For adults and children, they could also increase the risk of bullying. If you're not sure what an adult ear surgery otoplasty involves or why you should get one today, read on to find out the advantages of getting one.

What Exactly Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, often known as ear-pinning surgery, is a minimally invasive treatment used to shrink or reshape the ears. Although most adults can have otoplasty, surgery is typically easier to do on youngsters since their cartilage is more malleable. A local anesthetic is typically used in the office for adult otoplasty procedures, whereas a general anesthetic is used in the operating room for pediatric procedures.

Otoplasty involves making a tiny incision in the fold that naturally forms behind the ears. The surgeon then gently and strategically removes superfluous skin and cartilage to eliminate protrusions and minimize their size. Following the surgery, the patient's incisions are closed with a few stitches, and they are ready to go home whenever the surgeon is satisfied with the results.

Otoplasty is not just for people with drooping ears—it can also be used to treat other cosmetic issues. For people with big ears or birth defects that detract from their look, otoplasty provides an option. Abnormal ear features can be caused by hereditary reasons or accidental injuries including losing an ear entirely or partially. Thank goodness, otoplasty resolves these problems well and gives patients a more pleasing appearance over the long term.

Why Do Children Have Otoplasty?

Parents of small children with enormous ears or ears protruding from their heads frequently decide to have an otoplasty done on their child early on in order to protect them from bullying or the low self-esteem that comes with having unusual ears. However, since the ears continue to form, parents must wait until their child is at least five years old. Otherwise, the results may vary.

Since otoplasty surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that most children won't remember undergoing, they generally bear it well. The child's hearing won't be impacted by ear surgery otoplasty, scars can be easily covered up, and recovery time is short.

Most Common Reasons for Adult Otoplasty

The reasons why adults seek otoplasty are essentially the same as the reasons why parents seek out cosmetic ear surgery for their children. Usually, the main distinction is the emotion behind the decision. After years of feeling self-conscious about the size of their ears, adults want to increase their confidence. Many adult otoplasty patients have endured years of bullying as kids and even into adulthood, and they are happy to have ears that don't draw much attention to themselves at last.

Be it otoplasty, nose surgery, or nose surgery rhinoplasty, the board certified plastic surgeons at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa can deliver the best results.

Selecting the Right Surgeon for Your Otoplasty Procedure

Working with an experienced, professional, and informed surgeon is crucial for the patient's ear correction surgery in order to ensure their safety and achieve outstanding results. Like all surgical procedures, otoplasty is not without danger, even though it is a relatively safe procedure. Because of this, patients ought to pick a surgeon who has a track record of safe and effective procedures. Make sure to look through the otoplasty before and after photo collection and read patient testimonials from prior cases performed by your selected surgeon.

Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa

Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa can help if you've always felt self-conscious or embarrassed of the way your ears look and would like them to be less prominent! Schedule a consultation with us and learn about the benefits of ear surgery otoplasty and whether it’s right for you.