Otoplasty
There is a good chance that you haven’t heard of the term otoplasty before. Nevertheless, it is a fairly commonly requested form of cosmetic surgery with thousands being performed every year. Otoplasty is the term given to the surgical repositioning of the ears so that that they sit closer to the head in a more natural and attractive spot.
Unfortunately, many people are unhappy with the appearance of their ears, often from a young age. The exact shape, size and position of our ears is largely determined by our genetics, although accidents or injuries can also have an effect. Some people find that their ears seem to sit too high or low on their head while others feel that their ears stick out too much, making them a very prominent feature.
Whatever your reason for being unhappy with the appearance of your ears, it can seriously knock your confidence and self-esteem. While some people may choose to grow their hair to try and cover their ears, for others this may not be an option. Fortunately, there is another solution – otoplasty.
What does otoplasty surgery involve?
Otoplasty surgery can be performed under either a local or general anesthetic and is a fairly short and straightforward procedure. Once you have received your anesthetic, Dr. Garza will make an incision in the fold on the back of the ear through which the cartilage will be folded back into a more natural position. The wound is then closed using sutures and covered with a bandage. The entire procedure should take no more than two hours.
Recovery from otoplasty surgery
Unless you have experienced complications, you should be able to go home the very same day as your surgery, although if you have had a general anesthetic you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you until the full effects of the general anesthetic have worn off.
Immediately after the procedure you will probably experience some pain and swelling. Blood may collect underneath the skin of the ear and Dr. Garza may feel it necessary to drain this before you go home. You will be prescribed pain medication which should help alleviate your discomfort, and this should be taken as directed.
Once you can remove the bandages, your ears will be swollen, red and bruised for a number of days, but this will subside over time. You should follow the aftercare instructions as directed by Dr. Garza and your surgical team to ensure that you heal without complications and in a timely fashion.
Understanding ear-related changes
When you attend your consultation appointment to discuss your candidacy for your otoplasty procedure, Dr. Garza will speak to you about the ear-related changes you may need to expect in the future. This is because cartilage is a living tissue and there is a chance that the cartilage of your ears may change position or shape over time. Although rare, patients who experience this problem may find that they choose to undergo a further otoplasty procedure in the future.
If you are unhappy with the positioning of your ears and are considering cosmetic surgery, look no further than our highly skilled and experienced, board-certified surgeon Dr. Jaime Garza. With more than two decades of plastic and reconstructive surgery behind him and a commitment to the highest standards of patient care, Dr. Garza is the perfect surgeon to place your trust in for your otoplasty procedure. To schedule your confidential consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our office in San Antonio, Texas.
