Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that can also be performed on children. However, the child’s ear must be fully developed before undergoing this procedure. Ear shape deformities are usually present from birth and can be easily corrected with ear reshaping cosmetic surgery.

The plastic surgeon will carefully assess the condition and shape of the ear in relation to the head and face structure and then recommend an appropriate ear surgical plan. The primary goal of an experienced surgeon will be to achieve the desired results in a minimally invasive manner.

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides otoplasty to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Appropriate Candidates

Any individual in good general health and with concerns about the appearance of oversized, malformed, flapping, or asymmetrical ears can be a good candidate for ear reshaping plastic surgery.

A child with deformed or misshapen ears can also receive this cosmetic surgery if they are at least five years of age, and the ear cartilage has developed completely and attained stability.

Otoplasty surgery is equally suitable for teens and adults.

 

Common Congenital Defects

 

• Cagot Ear: Non-existent earlobe

• Cat’s Ear: The edges of the ear are folded forward

• Lop Ear: Sharply inward curved ear

• Scroll Ear: Forward curled ear

 

• Wildermuth’s Ear: The top curve of the ear is reversed

 

• Stahl’s Ear Deformity: Abnormal folding of the ear

• Cleft Earlobe: An indent inside in the earlobe

Sometimes patients of skin cancer or malignant melanoma need ear surgery to remove cancer and subsequently reconstruct the remaining tissue.

 

Surgical Procedure

Otoplasty is performed with the patient under mild general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. If the ears are significantly protuberant, the surgeon may enhance or augment the anti-helical fold inside the ear rim. At the same time, they will reduce the enlarged conchal cavity.

The surgeon will typically make incisions behind the ears to ensure that the scars remain discreet. Some patients may need ear reshaping on the front portion. Even in such cases, the incisions will be placed within the ear folds. The newly-shaped cartilage will subsequently be sutured into a desirable position.

The surgeon will close the incision with external sutures after the procedure is complete. Ear reshaping surgery can create attractive, natural-looking results in the hands of an experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon. In general, otoplasty results are permanent.

 

Recovery

The recovery period may vary between two patients. This will depend on the extent of the procedure and if one or both ears have undergone surgery. A majority of patients will be able to return to work or resume their normal routine in around one week.

During the first few days after the procedure, the patient may require pain medicines to remain comfortable. The swelling and bruising will reduce significantly from the second week onwards. The surgeon will typically remove external sutures at the time of the initial pre-op appointment at the end of week one.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.