Otoplasty Surgery in Bakersfield & Orange Co.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a procedure that alters the form, projection, and size of the ears. This type of ear surgery is very common among older children who have protruding ears, or ears that just stick out too far.

Otoplasty, or Orange County ear pinning surgery, most often intends to treat children and adults who have prominent ears that protrude away from the skull or “stick out too far.” This is a common cause of low self-esteem in both children and adults, leading to people covering their ears with their hair or avoiding haircuts or headgear that emphasize the ears. 

The objective of otoplasty is to restore balance and proportion to the ears and face by giving them a natural form with normal projection and size. An unobtrusive look diverts attention away from the ears. Minor abnormalities in the form, projection, or size of your ears often have a significant influence on your look and self-esteem. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

If your ears have an unusual shape, they will attract attention and divert it away from your face. If you’re unhappy with the way your ears appear and want to make a little adjustment, an otoplasty treatment is a fantastic option.

Some people dislike the shape of their ears or the angle at which they rest on their heads. Everything from earplugs to headphones to caps becomes more difficult to use when your ears have an unusual shape. In social circumstances, you might feel self-conscious.

Otoplasty refers to a variety of procedures involving the outer ear. It’s a cosmetic surgical treatment that improves the appearance of the ears and how they rest on the head. Below, we list some of the reasons why many people choose otoplasty as a solution.

Reasons to Get an Otoplasty

• You feel that your ears do not sit comfortably on the head, and make styling your hair or wearing certain accessories difficult.
• The ears are large and attract attention away from the face.
• Your earlobes are large or have an odd shape.
• The ears protrude from the head.
• Your ears look uneven or asymmetrical.
• The ears have an odd shape because of an injury, accident, or genetics.

An otoplasty might help move the ears closer to the head if they are jutting out perpendicular to the head. The ears can be brought back to a comfortable 15 to 20 degrees with this procedure. According to studies, the ears appear more natural and out of the way at certain angles.

What Is Ear Surgery Like?

Otoplasty can be performed in a hospital or as an outpatient procedure. Sedation and local anesthetic, which numbs only a portion of your body, are sometimes used during the surgery. In certain circumstances, general anesthesia — which knocks you out — may be administered prior to your surgery.

The type of otoplasty procedure used depends on the type of repair required. The placement of the incisions and the accompanying scars will be determined by the method used by your plastic surgeon. Common incision locations are the backs of the ears and the inner creases of the ears.

Your doctor may remove extra cartilage and skin after making incisions. After that, they will fold the cartilage into place and fix it with internal stitches. The incisions will be closed with additional stitches. Generally, the entire procedure lasts around 2 hours.

Your ears will be wrapped with bandages for protection and support after otoplasty. It’s probable that you’ll experience some discomfort and irritation. Take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor. If your pain medication causes you to become more uncomfortable, see your doctor right away.

What Are the Risks?

Otoplasty, like any other major surgery, carries dangers, including hemorrhage, infection, and a negative reaction to anesthesia. Below, we include the most common risks of this type of surgery.

• Scarring: Although scars are permanent, they are usually hidden behind or inside the folds of your ears.
• Ear placement asymmetry: It’s possible that this happens as a result of changes that occur throughout the healing process. Furthermore, surgery may not be able to rectify pre-existing asymmetry.
• Skin sensation changes: The relocation of your ears during otoplasty might temporarily impair skin feeling in the region. Changes are rarely permanent.
• Allergic reaction: An allergic response to surgical tape or other materials used during or after the surgery is conceivable.
• Issues with stitches: Stitches used to hold the ear’s new shape in place may find their way to the skin’s surface and need to be removed. The afflicted skin may become inflamed as a result of this. As a result, you may require more surgery.
• Overcorrection: Otoplasty can result in abnormal shapes, giving the appearance of pinned ears.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?

According to 2020 figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of cosmetic ear surgery is $3,736. This is only a portion of the overall cost; it excludes anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other associated costs. To calculate your final price, please contact the office of your plastic surgeon.

The cost of cosmetic ear surgery is determined by the surgeon’s skill, the operation performed, and the geographic location of the clinic. Ask your plastic surgeon about patient financing options for cosmetic ear surgery. Other costs include the following.

• Surgeon fees
• Facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Medication prescription costs
• Garments for postoperative care
• Medical tests

Does Insurance Cover Otoplasty?

Elective surgery, accompanying problems, or additional operations to improve the look of your ears are often not covered by most health insurance policies. 

Some treatments, especially those conducted to ease medical problems or restore hearing function, may be reimbursed by health insurance. For reimbursement or coverage, pre-certification is frequently necessary. Before undergoing any operation, make sure to check with your insurance company.

What to Do After Your Otoplasty Procedure?

First and foremost, remember that each client’s condition is entirely unique, and you should follow your otoplasty surgeon’s exact aftercare recommendations to the letter. Prior to the operation, they will thoroughly inspect your ears and explain each stage of the procedure to you. Unless you request otherwise, you’ll most likely be given a local anesthetic, which means you’ll be awake but won’t be able to feel anything in your ears throughout the operation.

Because grogginess and sleepiness are common anesthetic after effects, make sure you have someone to drive you home following the surgery. Below, we include other general aftercare recommendations.

Elevate the Head

For the first several weeks following your surgery, keep your head up as much as possible to ensure adequate blood flow. Although some swelling is to be expected in the days following the operation, keeping your head up will assist to minimize the danger of severe inflammation and redness. Always have a set of comfy pillows on standby to support your head in an upward position as you sleep.

Keep the Head Cool and Dry

Because you’ll need to wear bandages to keep your ears in place for the first few days, it’s critical that you keep your head cold and dry throughout this time. Avoid using a blow dryer or other heated hair style equipment, and stay away from excessive heat. Your ears will be numb after surgery, which means you won’t be able to feel any possible damage caused by excessive heat, which might reverse all of the work done during the treatment. If your ears become too warm or you experience any discomfort as a result of the swelling, apply an ice pack on a regular basis, but don’t leave it on for too long.

Take All Medications As Prescribed

Your otoplasty surgeon will prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to aid in reducing swelling and pain. Make sure you take your prescriptions exactly as prescribed, and set reminders to ensure you don’t forget.

Apply the Provided Topical Ointments

Topical ointments, which should be administered to the incision sites on your ears, will be provided by your doctor. When applying the ointment, make sure your hands are clean and that you do it carefully to avoid irritation and infection. These ointments should be used on a daily basis to reduce scarring and promote wound healing.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

To promote a speedier and more effective ear surgery recovery, it’s essential to keep a balanced diet, as usual. To heal faster, your body requires certain essential minerals and vitamins. It’s possible that you’ll have trouble chewing solid foods at first. If this is the case, try switching to softer meals or nutrient-dense smoothies to receive the nutrition you require.

Wear Clothing That Is Easy to Remove

Pulling clothes over your head might harm or irritate the incisions, therefore button down shirts and anything with a zipper that goes up and down are highly suggested after recuperating from otoplasty.

Wear All Headbands and Dressings As Advised

Following the otoplasty operation, surgical dressings and headbands are used to hold your newly positioned ears in place. Removing or relocating them might delay your recuperation, put you at risk of infection, or cause significant damage to your ears. Make sure to follow your otoplasty surgeon’s instructions and keep them clean, dry, and cooled at all times.

Contact Silhouette Plastic Surgery Today

At the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we specialize in all types of cosmetic procedures. Dr. Daneshmand, a board-certified plastic surgeon, takes pride in his work as an Orange County plastic surgeon, Foothill Ranch plastic surgeon, and Newport Beach plastic surgeon. With extensive experience in the field, he’s one of the best in the business. For more information on the services we provide, or to schedule a consultation, please call 949-359-8397 or fill out our online intake form.