Have you ever thought about changing the size or shape of your ears? Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can change your ears’ size, shape, or position to create the look you have always wanted.
Benefits of Otoplasty
- Corrects prominent ears
- Boosts overall confidence
- Enhances focus on facial features
- Reshapes the ears to look more natural
- Improves the position and placement of the ears
- Repositions the ears to lie flatter against the head
- Removes excess skin and cartilage to create smaller ears
- Restores the natural appearance of the ear after trauma or injury
- Outpatient treatment
- Cartilage heals rapidly
- Short recovery process
- Safe, effective procedure
- Can be performed alongside other treatments
Reasons to Get Otoplasty
The following are some of the most common reasons patients choose to get otoplasty:
- Enlarged ears
- Ears that stick out
- Birth abnormalities
- Trauma or injury to the ear
- Ears overshadowing facial features
- Genetics impacting the look of the ear
- Ears that protrude out from under the hair
If you are wondering whether you should have otoplasty, you can consult Dr. Sauerhammer at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery to determine whether otoplasty is an option.
Taking the First Steps
The first step is scheduling an in-office consultation to determine whether otoplasty is the best course.
Dr. Sauerhammer will examine your ears’ size, shape, and position during your consultation. You can take this time to discuss your desired aesthetic goals and ensure that otoplasty can achieve them.
Another part of the consultation involves going over the details of the otoplasty procedure. It is essential to understand the process, and Dr. Sauerhammer will go over the entire procedure with you so that you are comfortable and know what to expect beforehand.
The Otoplasty Process Explained
Your otoplasty will be performed under general anesthesia to provide optimal comfort. If your ear needs only minor adjustments, Dr. Sauerhammer can perform your otoplasty using local anesthesia.
Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Sauerhammer will begin repositioning the ear, removing excess cartilage, or reshaping the ear. The actions taken during your otoplasty will depend on your cosmetic concerns, and this may involve incisions, resecting skin or cartilage, and amending the placement of bones.
The entire otoplasty process takes one to three hours, depending on what Dr. Sauerhammer is correcting. After your procedure, you will move to our recovery room for observation as you wake up from the anesthesia.
Recovery and Aftercare
Since otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, we will discharge you to return home once you wake up from the anesthesia. You will have sutures where Dr. Sauerhammer made incisions, and you may also have bandaging around your ear to provide extra support for the bones, tissues, and cartilage.
Dr. Sauerhammer will remove your sutures and bandages about one to two weeks after surgery.
In the weeks following your otoplasty, you should avoid strenuous activity and anything that could cause impact or trauma to the ears. Upon discharge, our surgical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions on cleaning the area and encouraging optimal healing.
Other Considerations
Can I Combine Otoplasty With Other Procedures?
You can have otoplasty in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a more enhanced overall appearance. Additional procedures include facelift and neck lift surgery.
How Long Do the Results Last?
One of the most significant benefits of otoplasty is that it does not have to be repeated or maintained after your initial surgery. The results of your otoplasty procedure will be permanent. With that said, age-related changes may affect the cartilage of your ears, making them look larger years after your procedure.
You’re in Good Hands with the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we provide otoplasty procedures to help you change the appearance of your ears and increase your overall confidence. Dr. Sauerhammer can answer any questions during your consultation and help you get started on the journey to achieving the look you desire.
Schedule a consultation with us in Appleton or Green Bay at (920) 380-9890 today to learn more and get started.
